Trolling
Deliberately posting provocative, offensive, or disruptive content online to upset others or cause arguments. Trolling can range from mild annoyance to targeted harassment.
Trolling is the deliberate posting of provocative, offensive, or disruptive content to upset people or start arguments, ranging from petty wind-ups to targeted harassment that can cross into criminal behaviour.
In plain English
Deliberately posting provocative, offensive, or disruptive content online to upset others or cause arguments. Trolling can range from mild annoyance to targeted harassment.
Why it matters
Repeated trolling overlaps with harassment and hate speech, and can cross into criminal territory under the Communications Act 2003 and Online Safety Act 2023. Helping children disengage, block, and report stops escalation.
Related
Risks and topics
Frequently Asked Questions
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17