WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING

Many youth are affected by cyberbullying each year. This new phenomenon of bullying has lead to youth depression and in severe cases, suicide. It is for these reasons that educating youth about the effects of cyberbullying is important. Parents should be aware of signs that their child is cyberbullying or being cyberbullied, so they can intervene. In addition, schools need to implement consequences for this behavior if it is occuring at school. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic devices by an individual to intend to harass or harm another individual. Cyberbullying is illegal and depending on the severity of the case can be prosecuted under the Computer Crimes Act   the Penal Code or the Juvenile Act. Cyberbullying can occur in the following forms of electronic use:

• text messaging
• picture or video clips on cell phones and cameras
• phone calls
• email
• online chatrooms
• instant messaging
• websites

If you are a youth who this is happening to or know someone it is happening to report the incident to an adult, save the messages, and don't respond to the attacker.


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