From TikTok to the police: schoolchildren and parents were reminded about possible fines and criminal liability for cyberbullying

Humiliated a teacher or a classmate in a video — prepare for real consequences

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24 Apr 2026

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National Police of Ukraine April 24 2026 reminded about responsibility for cyberbullying at school. This concerns insulting videos, photos, comments or posts that use images of participants in the educational process.

The police noted that content is appearing in the Ukrainian segment of the Internet where the images of children, teachers or other participants in the educational process are used without consent. What is often called a “joke” or “meme” on social networks can actually be cyberbullying. It is especially dangerous that such videos spread quickly on social networks, and the victim is effectively left alone with public humiliation. For a child or a teacher this can mean not just an insult but real psychological pressure, fear and reluctance to return to school.

“Offensive videos, photos, comments or posts are an offense. Anonymity does not save you from responsibility,” – emphasized the National Police of Ukraine.

Such actions may incur a penalty in the form of a fine, and in some cases – even criminal liability. If the offender has not yet reached the age established by law, the parents may be held responsible for their actions.

The police advise not to immediately delete insulting publications, but first to secure evidence: take screenshots, save links, and if possible record the page or profile from which the content was shared. After that it is worth reporting the publication within the social network, informing adults or contacting the police at the numbers 102 or 112.

Separately, law enforcement addressed parents. They advise explaining to children the rule of the “digital footprint”: everything that gets on the Internet can remain there for a long time and affect reputation, education, relationships and even the child’s future. Parents should also check the child’s profile privacy settings and explain that in case of online attacks the child should seek help rather than withdraw into themselves.

“Digital hygiene is a test of humanity that we must pass together with our children,” – emphasized the police.

For Mykolaiv region this topic is no longer abstract. Earlier on the social network TikTok there were recorded instances of spreading humiliating videos using photos and video images of teachers without their consent. In particular, in Novoodesky Lyceum No. 2 they had already drawn attention to a similar trend and warned: publicly ridiculing teachers is not humor but a violation of human rights.

Such stories should serve as a signal for schools, parents and teenagers themselves. Because a “meme” made for a few views can turn into a ruined reputation, a lawsuit, a fine and serious trauma for the person who was humiliated.