What is Cyber Bullying?

With advances in technology come advances in the way kids can pick on each other. It used to be that bullying was relegated to the schoolyard, but today kids can use the internet and cell phones to bully each other in a way that has been termed cyberbullying. This new type of bullying can be just as harmful as traditional bullying and even have criminal ramifications.

Cyberbullying is when a child or teenager is harassed, threatened, humiliated, or otherwise targeted for abuse using the internet, cell phone, or another digital communication device. Cyberbullying only refers to children harassing other children, if adults are involved in the harassment then it is not called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying should be taken seriously because it can be so damaging and even be illegal.

Cyberbullying may entail posting mean, lewd, or derogatory statements about a person online, sending embarrassing photos of a person through email or text message, or any other mean-spirited act committed against another child using that type of technology. Because the possibilities of cyberbullying are endless, cases of cyberbullying can become very serious, even to the point of injury or death. There have been reported cases of suicide and homicide related to cyberbullying as well as physical and emotional damage. Never assume that cyberbullying will stop on its own, all the attention cyberbullying can draw is a great motivator for cyberbullies to continue.

Cyberbullying often occurs repeatedly and is usually not a one-time occurrence. Cyberbullying victims are often targeted and tormented relentlessly and the ease with which information is shared on the internet and through cell phones makes committing acts of cyberbullying easy. Kids can find many different ways to embarrass, threaten, or belittle others using the internet or a cell phone. Depending on the severity of the offense, cyberbullying can be charged as a crime. If information or passwords were stolen or threats were made, children can be charged as delinquents under the law.

Do not be afraid to peruse your child's rights in the case of cyberbullying, sometimes it is the only way to make it stop and send the message to other children that cyberbullying is not acceptable.

Although schools try to do everything they can to stop and prevent bullying, cyberbullying can be a tough form of bullying for a school to control. Cyberbullying that occurs off of school property is usually considered out of the authority of the school and little can be done by administrators to stop it. Parents play a key role in preventing cyberbullying and closely monitoring children's online and cell phone activity is the best way to do so. If you notice that your child is having unexpected problems, don't assume they are a normal part of growing up. If your child becomes hesitant to use the computer they may be experiencing cyberbullying and you should investigate to make sure they are not harmed.