Online harassment can follow you everywhere—destroying your reputation, mental health, and sense of safety. Whether you’re dealing with relentless trolling, threatening messages, doxxing, or revenge content, you may have legal options to fight back and recover damages.
This guide explains how to take action against cyberbullying and online harassment in the United States.
Is Cyberbullying Illegal?
There’s no single federal cyberbullying law, but according to Cornell Law Institute, what’s illegal offline is generally illegal online. At least 44 states have laws addressing cyberbullying, and several federal laws may apply:
Federal Laws
- 18 U.S.C. § 875 – Interstate threats
- 18 U.S.C. § 2261A – Cyberstalking
- 47 U.S.C. § 223 – Harassing communications
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act – Unauthorized computer access
State Laws
Most states have enacted laws covering:
- Cyberstalking and cyber harassment
- Revenge porn (non-consensual intimate images)
- Criminal harassment
- School-based cyberbullying
Civil Lawsuits for Online Harassment
According to Justia, victims can sue for various civil wrongs (torts):
Defamation
False statements of fact that damage your reputation. You must prove:
- A false statement presented as fact
- Publication to third parties
- Fault (negligence or actual malice for public figures)
- Damages to reputation
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)
Extreme and outrageous conduct intended to cause severe emotional harm.
Invasion of Privacy
Four types: intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light, and appropriation of likeness.
Harassment
Repeated unwanted contact intended to alarm or annoy.
Cyberbullying Case Outcomes
School Harassment Settlement – $500,000 (Ohio 2015)
According to Public Justice, a case involving anti-Semitic and gender-based harassment resulted in a $500,000 settlement plus injunctive relief requiring the school to implement anti-bullying measures.
Sexting Case – $225,000 (Oregon 2015)
In Harrison v. Clatskanie School District, three plaintiffs received $225,000 and injunctive relief after the school failed to address harassment related to intimate images.
Second Circuit Harassment – $1,000,000+
A case involving sustained taunting and harassment resulted in an award exceeding $1 million plus attorney’s fees and costs.
Types of Online Harassment
- Cyberstalking – Repeated, unwanted contact and monitoring online
- Trolling – Posting provocative content designed to upset you
- Doxxing – Publishing your personal information (address, phone, employer)
- Pile-ons – Coordinated attacks by multiple accounts
- Impersonation – Fake accounts pretending to be you
- Revenge porn – Sharing intimate images without consent
- Threats – Messages threatening violence or harm
- Swatting – False reports to send police to your home
What Damages Can You Recover?
- Compensatory damages – For emotional distress, anxiety, depression
- Medical expenses – Therapy, medication, treatment
- Lost wages – If harassment affected your employment
- Reputation damages – If false statements harmed your career or relationships
- Punitive damages – To punish particularly egregious conduct
- Injunctive relief – Court orders to stop harassment, remove content
Step 1: Document Everything
Evidence is crucial for any legal action:
- Screenshots – Capture content before it’s deleted (include URLs and timestamps)
- Save messages – Don’t delete anything, even if distressing
- Record dates and times – Build a timeline of abuse
- Note witnesses – Who else saw the harassment?
- Document impact – How it affected your health, work, relationships
- Preserve metadata – Use tools that capture IP addresses and account info
Step 2: Report to Platforms
Report harassment to the social media platform. While they’re protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, platforms may:
- Remove content violating their terms
- Suspend or ban harassing accounts
- Preserve evidence for legal proceedings
Step 3: Report to Police
For serious harassment:
- File a police report (get a case number)
- Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for interstate crimes
- Request a restraining order/order of protection if threats are involved
Step 4: Consult an Attorney
A lawyer can help with:
- Subpoenas to identify anonymous harassers
- Cease and desist letters
- Civil lawsuits for damages
- Content removal requests
Suing Anonymous Harassers
You can file a “John Doe” lawsuit and subpoena platforms to reveal the harasser’s identity. Courts can order platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit to disclose user information.
Suing Parents of Minor Harassers
According to FindLaw, if the harasser is a minor, you may be able to sue their parents for:
- Negligent supervision
- Parental liability for child’s willful misconduct
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the platform (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)?
Usually not. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act generally protects platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, this immunity has limits and is being challenged in courts.
What if the harasser is in another state?
Federal laws apply to interstate harassment. You may also be able to sue in your home state if the harassment was directed at you there.
Will taking legal action make it worse?
This is a valid concern. An attorney can advise on strategies that minimize backlash while maximizing protection—sometimes a cease and desist letter is enough; other times court action is needed.
What’s the statute of limitations?
Varies by state and claim type—typically 1-3 years for personal injury claims, 1-2 years for defamation. Act quickly to preserve your rights.
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