Not dissimilar from cyberbullying, trolling means intentionally upsetting, shocking or winding up selected individuals, groups of people or a more general audience who are usually people not known to the troll.

It generally causes offence as a result of expressing extreme views, or purely for its own sake. Racist, religious, homophobic, political or social abuse are commonplace forms of trolling, but you could also be victimised for something as basic as the football team you support. It may also be directed against people – famous or otherwise – known for their philanthropy, charity, altruism and other good qualities … by trolls who disagree with their motives.

One of the most upsetting forms of trolling takes place when obscenities or insults are posted against deceased people, which they cannot defend.

This can result in considerable trauma for surviving relatives and friends. Trolling can be carried out by individuals, or groups of trolls with a common aim – to upset innocent victims.

What to do if you are affected by trolling?

• Do not reply, this is playing into the hands of the offenders
• Take screenshots, keep upsetting emails, messages and posts as evidence if reporting the offenders
• Block offenders’ social media, email and instant messaging accounts as appropriate.
• Report offenders to your internet service provider (ISP), mobile phone provider (if bullying is via texts or calls) or social media site/app.
•  Consider changing your phone number if the bullying is by text or phone call, and keep the new one private.
• Protect all your passwords and password protect your phone.
• Talk to a friend, family member or use our Bullyid Indonesia’s platform to get advice and start your online counselling with licensed psychologists and lawyers. 
• Report serious bullying such as threats of physical harm or abuse, to the police.