What are trolling and online abuse?
Trolling is a form of cyberaggression. It involves the sending of malicious, abusive, or derogatory messages by one user (a ‘troll’) to another user online with the intention of upsetting or harassing them or damaging their reputation.
It is often anonymous and does not meet the definition of bullying yet might develop into online bullying.
Trolls often goad others until they react. They enjoy putting people down and causing discord, starting arguments or being inflammatory, stirring things up for their own entertainment.
Trolling may take the form of a one-off offensive comment, hate speech or even threats made online.
For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.
