Cyberbullying is the repeated harassing, humiliating, and/or threatening of others through electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or phones. Examples of cyberbullying can include posting embarrassing photos or videos on social media sites, creating fake profiles, spreading rumors through social media sites or text messages, sending threatening messages through text, email, or social media sites, and much more.
Cyberbullying an issue of safety
According to bullyingstatsistics.org “suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year.” Young people today face a new and ruthless form of bullying, cyberbullying. Ten years ago when kids were bullied they could at least return home at the end of the day and find moments of peace away from being bullied. Now kids are bullied constantly through electronic devices. Home is no longer a place of peace and respite from the bullying. Imagine being harassed, embarrassed, teased, and humiliated 24/7 and feeling helpless against it. This is why cyberbullying must be taken seriously and why we must take steps against it.
What legal actions can be done against cyberbullying?
Unfortunately there are not many laws yet in place to legally punish offenders of cyberbullying. Law enforcement can only step in if there have been threats of violence, images of child pornography or sexually explicit messages or photos have been sent, or evidence of stalking or hate crime is found. These can differ depending on the state.