What Is the Definition of Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying occurs when a teenager or pre-teenager uses the Internet, or any form of electronic communication, as a weapon of choice to threaten, harass, torture, or humiliate another child. A minor child has to be on both ends of the communication (i.e. sender, receiver) for it to be cyberbullying. Even though the perpetrator often hides his identity, the tormenter role and the victim role are interchangeable. Meaning, a victim of cyberbullying can eventually evolve into the bully himself---and vice versa. The extent of the torment is basically determined by the cyberbully and his level of know-how with the source of electronic communication. (See References)

Types

The two most common types of cyberbullying is the bullying contacting his victim directly (direct attacks) and the bully using a accomplice to torment his victim. The latter is referred to as "cyberbullying by proxy". The accomplice may or may not know he is being used as a pawn by the bully. However, if an adult knows or is involved in the tormenting it would not be considered cyberbullying; this would be defined as "cyberstalking" or "cyberharassment". (See References)

Theories/Speculation

Cyberbully victims will often suffer in silence for fear of being tormented even more than what they currently are. Also, a victim may keep the bullying from a parent of guardian because she may be scared she will lose her internet privileges--or the right to use her other electronic communication devices. In some cases, victims of cyberbullying are not even aware they are being bullied. (See resources)

Effects

Cyberbullying affects its victims in various ways. However, the most common signs to look for if you believe your child may be a victim are as follows: social isolation, anxiety, plummeting self-esteem, depression, and sudden declines in schoolwork. (See References)

Warning

If a school attempts to intervene with cyberbullying that occurs outside of school, the school may be subjected to a lawsuit that contends the school violated the bully's right to free speech. A school may also be sued for overstepping their authority. (See Resources)

Prevention/Solution

The parent of a cyberbullying victim can help his child combat the problem by asking his child to do the following: delete any harassing messages and emails upon receipt, teach the child to block the torment with certain technology software, supervise any internet use, and create time constraints on his electronic communication use, and create awareness at his school is the torment is also occurring there.

Resources

• Cyberbullying in Schools
• Combatting Cyberbullying