It can constitute a computer crime. For example, in the United States it is a federal crime to anonymously "annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person" via the internet or telecommunication system, punishable by a fine and/or up to two years imprisonment.
Cyberbullying is willful and involves recurring or repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text. According to R.B. Standler, bullying intends to cause emotional distress and has no legitimate purpose to the choice of communications. Cyberbullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender. Cyberbullying may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech)
(Information from Wikipedia.org)
There are several ways that children threaten and/or harass others online. They may: (http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/missing/i_safety/cyberbullying.htm)
- Send e-mails or instant messages containing insults or threats directly to a person.
- Spread hurtful comments about a person to other through e-mail, instant messaging or postings on web sites and blogs.
- Steal passwords and send out threatening e-mails or instant messages using an assumed identity.
- Build web sites, often with password protection, to target people - students or even teachers.
- Increasingly, kids are being bullied by text messages sent through their cell phones.
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Built-in digital cameras in cell
phones have added a new dimension to the problem.
- In one case students used a camera-enabled cell phone to take a photo of an overweight classmate in a gym shower. The picture was distributed throughout the school e-mail list within minutes.
- This is difficult to detect in schools and impossible to monitor off school property.
- No one is "immune," including teachers!
ABC News Videos on Cyber Bullying
Protecting
Kids from Cyber Bullying - aired 2/12/2007
Safeguarding Against Cyber Bullying - aired 12/27/2006
Dealing with Cyberbullying (http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/missing/i_safety/cyberbullying.htm)
- Preserve evidence – this is crucial for identifying the bully and making a case. Attempt to enlist assistance from the service provider.
- If able to identify the bully, contact him or her and/or parents.
- Use available blocking technology (i.e., block the user on IM, email and chat.)
- In serious cases, seek assistance from the police (i.e., threats of physical harm, unrelenting or unable to stop.)