Does Facebook have a handle on cyber-bullying?

There are not many problems surrounding social media than have a greater urgency or importance than serious cases of cyber bullying.

Bullying others through social media websites has often led to problems such as self-harm, psychological torment and even suicide.

So when we reported a Facebook page that had been set up with the only clear goal being to incite hatred towards another Facebook user, we expected to receive a more affirmative response than the automated and unhelpful “this does not violate our community standards”.

If you read the community standards, it states under the harassment section “Facebook does not tolerate bullying or harassment. We allow users to speak freely on matters and people of public interest, but take action on all reports of abusive behavior directed at private individuals.”

The Facebook Page we reported was titled “[UserA] is a horrible person” (we substituted the full name for UserA) and at the time of writing had posted two messages. One post referring to UserA as a whore, and the other inviting other users to comment on why they hate UserA. The profile picture of the page referred to UserA as a c**t and included their photograph. The Page also has several comments by other users, many of which suggesting UserA should be killed, as well as dozens of other expletive-laden diatribes.

Given this information, one does wonder why this Page does not constitute harassment or bullying, when in reality it is the epitome of both.

This Page, that contains NO other information other than posts and comments aimed at inciting hatred towards a Facebook user, had been reviewed by a Facebook moderator and been deemed acceptable.

Given the seriousness of cyber-bullying and the potential outcomes and consequences, one would expect Facebook to perhaps be less flippant when it comes to this subject. We understand Facebook receive copious amounts of reported content every day, but our report was reviewed and discarded within minutes of being made.

Perhaps Facebook will only remove pages if the person under attack personally reports it? Or perhaps Facebook’s moderation review process regarding harassment and bullying needs improving.

Let us know what you think below.

UPDATE: Facebook have since “revised” their decision and removed the Page that we reported.