Where can cyberbullying happen? E-mail Instant messaging Text messaging Web logs (Blogs) Web pages Chat rooms Discussion boards Community sites

You may be asking yourself, "What is cyberbullying?" According to Patchin and Hinduja (2006), cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text. Some examples of cyberbullying are: Sending repeated messages via e-mail, instant messaging or text messaging that are offensive, insulting or vulgar Repeatedly sending threatening messages that make the victim fear for his or her safety (called cyberstalking) Sending cruel messages or posting slanderous or disparaging comments on a website, web log or discussion board Impersonating the victim by breaking into their account and sending/posting messages intended to make the victim look bad, get them in trouble, ruin their reputation or harm their friendships and relationships Tricking someone into sharing private information or secrets and disseminating that information to others; or, posting the victim's private information on a discussion board or website Posting photos of the victim taken in the gym or locker room with a cell phone equipped with a digital camera; or, sending such photos to large groups of students via e-mail Excluding someone from an online group or game

The first step in tackling the issue of cyberbullying is increasing awareness. To learn more, click any of the links at the top of the page. To contact me, please click here.

Willard, N. (2005). A parent's guide to cyberbullying and cyberthreats. Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use.

Patchin, J. W. and Hinduja, S. (2006). Bullies Move beyond the Schoolyard: A Preliminary Look at Cyberbullying. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 4(2), 148-169.