What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is defined as using communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phones, chat rooms, instant messaging, blogs or defamatory personal Web sites to send or post repeated, deliberate, cruel and harmful text or images. How is it different from other forms of bullying? •The roles can be changed: A cyberbully may be physically weak and the victim physically strong. •There is a lack of closure: When something is online, it can stay there forever. •There is a perception of anonymity so kids will say things they wouldn’t say face to face. •There is no escape. Bullying usually eases up when you get home, away from the kids. Cyberbullying happens all day, all night. There is no escape. •Something called the bystander effect—others can quickly become involved in chat rooms and on IM. •There is a lack of empathy. When you e-mail someone, you don’t see the effect it has.