What is Cyberbullying? How to Prevent Cyberbullying

In today’s digital age, bullying has evolved beyond physical schoolyards and workplaces into the virtual world. Cyberbullying—the online harassment of individuals through electronic communication—has become a pervasive issue affecting people of all ages, particularly minors. With the increasing integration of technology in our daily lives, understanding cyberbullying and implementing effective prevention strategies is more important than ever.

Cyberbullying can have devastating emotional and psychological impacts on victims, including decreased self-esteem, increased suicidal thoughts, fear, depression, and anger. Statistics reveal that 50% of children report being scared of online bullies, and victims are 3 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. As digital communication continues to dominate our social interactions, addressing cyberbullying has become a critical concern for parents, educators, employers, and legal professionals.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to the online bullying and harassment of individuals, particularly minors (those under 18), using electronic communication devices. Also known as cyberharassment, internet bullying, or online bullying, it involves using digital platforms to stalk, attack, or harass victims.

Common examples of cyberbullying behavior include:

• Spreading rumors or false information
• Making threats
• Posting sexual comments
• Disclosing confidential information
• Using derogatory language or pejorative designations

For behavior to constitute cyberbullying, it typically involves repeated unwanted actions with the intent to harm the victim. This repetition distinguishes cyberbullying from isolated negative online interactions. In severe cases, cyberbullying can escalate to real-life harassment, including dangerous actions like stalking or physical assault.

Cyberbullying vs. Internet Trolling

Internet trolling is a subcategory of online bullying that involves communication intended to provoke a reaction primarily for the author’s amusement or attention-seeking. While trolling can be annoying and disruptive, it differs from cyberbullying in its motivation and typically lacks the targeted, persistent nature of cyberbullying.

In the United States, trolling is generally legal unless it crosses into more serious offenses like stalking, harassment, or cyberstalking. This contrasts with countries like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, which have enacted specific laws against trolling. The U.S. approach reflects its strong free speech protections and the challenges in objectively defining trolling behavior.

Common Methods of Cyberbullying

Spreading Rumors Online

One of the most prevalent forms of cyberbullying involves spreading rumors or false information about someone online. These rumors can quickly reach large audiences through social media platforms, messaging apps, and forums. When false statements damage a person’s reputation, they may constitute online defamation or libel, potentially requiring legal intervention to address.

Doxing (Disclosing Personal Information)

Doxing involves publishing someone’s private information online without their consent. This can include home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, workplace details, or other sensitive data. Doxing not only violates privacy but can lead to real-world harassment, including unwanted deliveries, phone calls, or even physical confrontations. Victims of doxing may have grounds for invasion of privacy lawsuits.

Workplace Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to children and teenagers—it frequently occurs in professional environments as well. Workplace cyberbullying involves the repeated mistreatment of colleagues through digital means, including threats, humiliation, intimidation, or sabotage. This behavior can significantly impact workplace morale, productivity, and employee well-being.

To address workplace cyberbullying, victims should:

• Set clear boundaries with the bully
• Document all incidents with dates, times, and details
• Report persistent issues to management or human resources
• Consider legal action if the behavior continues despite organizational intervention

Social Media Harassment

With 92% of cyberbullying occurring on social media platforms, these spaces have become primary venues for online harassment. The personal nature of social media profiles, combined with their widespread use, creates an environment where cyberbullies can easily target victims and reach their social circles.

To reduce the risk of social media harassment:

• Be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers
• Never share explicit or intimate content online
• Avoid engaging with suspicious profiles
• Utilize privacy settings to control who can view and comment on your content

Online Gaming Harassment

Gaming communities have seen a concerning rise in cyberbullying incidents. From verbal abuse in voice chats to targeted harassment of female and minority gamers, online gaming spaces can become hostile environments. In extreme cases, gaming harassment has led to dangerous practices like “swatting”—making false emergency calls to send armed police to a victim’s home.

The Impact of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can have profound effects on victims’ mental health and well-being. Unlike traditional bullying, which typically ends when victims leave the physical environment, cyberbullying can follow them anywhere they have internet access, creating a sense that there’s no escape.

Common emotional impacts include:

• Decreased self-esteem and self-confidence
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Academic or work performance decline
• Sleep disturbances
• In severe cases, suicidal ideation

The persistent nature of digital content means that harmful messages, images, or videos can resurface repeatedly, prolonging the victim’s suffering and potentially reaching new audiences over time.

Five Ways to Prevent Cyberbullying

1. Talk to Children About Cyberbullying

Open, ongoing conversations about online behavior and cyberbullying are essential for prevention. Discuss with children or teenagers what cyberbullying is, how it can occur, signs to watch for, and appropriate actions to take when encountering it. Encourage them to tell you or another trusted adult if they experience or witness cyberbullying.

Parents should also be vigilant for behavioral changes that might indicate their child is being bullied, such as:

• Reluctance to use digital devices
• Nervousness when receiving notifications
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Declining grades or loss of interest in school
• Emotional distress after using devices

2. Preserve Evidence of Cyberbullying

If cyberbullying occurs, documenting all relevant evidence is crucial. Take screenshots of harmful messages, posts, or images, ensuring they include timestamps and contextual information. Save emails, text messages, and other communications that demonstrate the bullying behavior.

This documentation serves multiple purposes:

• Provides concrete evidence when reporting to platforms, schools, or authorities
• Establishes patterns of behavior over time
• Strengthens potential legal claims
• Prevents disputes about what was actually said or done

3. Safeguard Online Accounts and Social Media Profiles

Protecting digital presence is an important preventative measure against cyberbullying:

• Make social media profiles and online accounts private
• Carefully filter friend requests and followers
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication when available
• Limit the personal information shared online

If cyberbullying occurs, blocking the perpetrator is often recommended. However, don’t delete the communications, as they may serve as important evidence. In extreme cases, temporarily deactivating social media accounts might be necessary while addressing the situation.

4. Understand State Cyberbullying Laws

Cyberbullying laws vary significantly by state, with some jurisdictions having comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that explicitly addresses electronic harassment, while others have more limited protections. Familiarizing yourself with your state’s specific laws can help you understand available legal remedies.

For example:

• California’s Education Code requires school districts to adopt procedures for preventing cyberbullying and addressing complaints (California Education Code § 234, 2019)
• Florida law defines cyberbullying as bullying through technology or electronic communication and requires school districts to implement policies addressing it

Many states have updated their harassment and stalking laws to include electronic communications, providing additional legal avenues for addressing severe cyberbullying.

5. Take Action & Work With an Experienced Internet Attorney

When cyberbullying persists despite preventative measures, working with an experienced internet attorney can help stop the harassment and protect the victim’s rights. Legal professionals specializing in this area can assist with:

• Organizing and preserving evidence
• Removing fake online profiles or damaging content
• Contacting law enforcement, schools, or workplaces as appropriate
• Obtaining restraining orders against perpetrators
• Pursuing legal action for monetary damages when warranted

Additional tips for addressing active cyberbullying situations include:

• Keep children informed about actions being taken
• Avoid hasty or emotional responses to cyberbullying attacks
• Listen carefully to the victim’s experiences and concerns
• Seek outside perspectives from counselors or support groups when needed

How to Protect Against Cyberbullying

Beyond the preventative measures outlined above, consider these additional strategies to reduce cyberbullying risk:

Don’t Engage With Cyberbullies

One of the most effective ways to discourage cyberbullies is to deny them the reaction they’re seeking. Responding to harassment often escalates the situation and provides bullies with the attention and power they desire. Instead, document the behavior, block the individual if possible, and report them through appropriate channels.

Be Cautious With Personal Information

Limiting the personal information available online reduces vulnerability to cyberbullying and related threats:

• Avoid posting identifying details like home addresses, phone numbers, or birth dates
• Consider using pseudonyms or abbreviated names on public platforms
• Regularly review privacy settings on all accounts
• Be mindful of location sharing features in apps and social media

Use Privacy Settings Effectively

Most digital platforms offer privacy controls that can significantly reduce exposure to potential cyberbullies:

• Review and adjust privacy settings regularly
• Limit who can tag you in posts or photos
• Control who can comment on your content
• Restrict who can send you direct messages
• Consider making accounts private so only approved followers can see your content

Practice Digital Citizenship

Promoting positive online behavior helps create safer digital environments for everyone:

• Treat others with respect in digital communications
• Think before posting or sharing content
• Stand up for others who are being bullied online
• Report inappropriate content to platform administrators
• Model healthy digital habits for children and peers

When to Seek Legal Help for Cyberbullying

While many cyberbullying situations can be resolved through platform reporting, school intervention, or workplace policies, some cases require legal assistance. Consider consulting with an internet attorney if:

• The cyberbullying involves serious threats of harm
• The harassment persists despite attempts to address it through other channels
• The bullying has caused significant emotional distress or financial damage
• The situation involves defamation, invasion of privacy, or identity theft
• School or workplace authorities have failed to take appropriate action
• The cyberbullying has escalated to stalking or other criminal behavior

An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific circumstances, explain relevant legal protections, and recommend appropriate courses of action based on the severity and nature of the cyberbullying.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying represents a significant challenge in our increasingly digital world, with potential consequences ranging from emotional distress to severe psychological harm. By understanding what constitutes cyberbullying, implementing preventative measures, and knowing how to respond effectively when it occurs, we can work toward creating safer online environments for everyone.

Remember that addressing cyberbullying often requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, technological safeguards, social support, and in some cases, legal intervention. By staying informed about cyberbullying trends and prevention strategies, we can better protect ourselves and those under our care from online harassment.

Take Action Against Cyberbullying

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, online harassment, or cyberstalking, Minc Law can help. Our experienced internet attorneys specialize in assisting individuals and children who have been victims of online harassment.

How Minc Law Can Help

Our team can assist with:

• Organizing and preserving evidence of cyberbullying
• Removing fake online profiles and damaging content
• Contacting appropriate authorities, schools, or workplaces
• Obtaining restraining orders against cyberbullies
• Pursuing legal action for monetary damages when appropriate

We understand the complex landscape of U.S. cyberbullying laws, protections, and penalties, and we develop comprehensive legal strategies tailored to each unique situation.

Don’t face cyberbullying alone. Contact Minc Law today at (216) 373-7706 or schedule a meeting through our online contact form to discuss your options and take the first step toward ending online harassment.

The internet attorneys at Minc Law have the experience and legal strategies to help you fight back against cyberbullying and online attacks.