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Trolling

Trolling can occur in a range of online spaces. Find out what it is, and what to do if you've been affected by trolls.

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Last Updated30/07/2024

What is trolling?

Trolling involves sharing, commenting, or posting deliberately provocative content to evoke an emotional reaction, create conflict, or disrupt conversations. This behaviour can occur on social media, gaming platforms, forums, comment sections, and other online communities.

Trolls often hide behind anonymity, allowing them to engage in offensive or harmful behaviour without facing real-world repercussions. Their motivations vary, ranging from seeking attention and entertainment to expressing anger or disdain.

How to identify trolling

Common signs of trolling include:

  • Inflammatory and offensive comments posted to provoke anger or frustration.
  • Posting off-topic and irrelevant comments to derail conversations and cause confusion.
  • Repetitive comments to disrupt conversations
  • Personal attacks using insults and name calling, to cause upset and intimidation.

What to do if you're being trolled

Netsafe offers free, confidential advice, seven days a week. Our helpline team can provide you advice about how to address trolling or any other online issue.

Report online Click to fill out an online reporting form: https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/newEmail [email protected] Click to email a report to Netsafe: help@netsafe.org.nzText 'Netsafe' to 4282 Click to text a report to Netsafe on 4282Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends Click to phone the Netsafe helpline on 0508 638 723New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 Click to phone the Netsafe helpline on 0508 638 723

In addition to contacting our helpline, we recommend you also take the following steps:

  • Ignore it: Don’t feed the trolls! The purpose of trolling is to create a reaction. If you refuse to engage with the troll, they usually move on quickly.
  • Report it: Report the troll's comments to the social media site or website. If this is happening in a group, thread, or on a page, you could also report it to the page owner, group administrator, or moderator. Although they may not act on an individual comment, reporting helps to highlight repeated behaviour.
  • Record it: If you are repeatedly being trolled by the same person, take screenshots to keep a record of what’s happening. You can find our advice on how to​​ gather electronic evidence.
  • Get support: Although it may feel like you're alone, the troll is likely trying to engage with multiple people. Consider reaching out to see how others are reacting to the situation. If the troll is repeatedly engaging with you, or has said something harmful, Netsafe offers help and advice.
  • Take a break: Dealing with trolls can be challenging. If you find it difficult, it may help to take a break from your screen or switch to a different platform or thread.

Further support

Being trolled online can be distressing. You can reach out to the following confidential services if you need further support:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 Youthline: 0800 376 633 Tautoko suicide crisis helpline: 0508 828 865 Need to Talk: Text or call 1737