What is cyberbullying?

There are many definitions of cyberbullying out there, including these examples:

"The use of modern communication technologies to embarrass, humiliate, threaten, or intimidate an individual in the attempt to gain power and control over them." 

(Glenn R. Stutzky, University of Michigan)

"'Cyberbullying' is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones."

(Perry Aftab, www.stopcyberbullying.org)

"Cyberbullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices."

(Nancy Willard, Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Usage)

Where does cyberbullying happen?

Anywhere technology exists. Though cyberbullying is most commonly executed through instant messenger services, such as AIM, ICQ or MSN, it also happens in chat rooms, personal Web sites, blogs, online journals and cell phones.

Who is cyberbullying?

Anyone with access to communication technology and an intent to harm someone else can be a cyberbully. High school girls and boys surveyed about the frequency of cyberbullying reported that it most commonly occurred during their middle school years (The Ophelia Project, 2005.)  However, cyberbullying incidents are reported by elementary and high school students as well.

Why do kids cyberbully?

Today’s tech-savvy youth use the Internet as a social tool to chat with friends, make plans, send invitations and connect with others who share their interests. Most kids know that name-calling, harassment and other forms of taunting are wrong. So why do they do it in cyberspace?

• Anonymity – Kids can tease and humiliate one another without their identity ever being known; further, a cyberbully may not see the hurtful reaction of their target, thereby reducing empathetic feelings toward them.

• Empowerment – When kids either can’t find the courage to confront someone they are in conflict with, or their social status makes them feel disempowered, cyberbullying can seem like a "safe" way to retaliate.

• Entertainment – When surveyed by The Ophelia Project, adolescents reported that the number one reason they engaged in relationally aggressive behaviors (i.e. malicious gossip, rumor spreading, building alliances) was excitement. The drama that surrounds adolescent relationships is perceived as fun for teens...unless of course, you are the target.

• Instant Gratification – Impulsivity seems to be a trademark of adolescent behavior. An angry teen may react to an emotional situation by sending a harsh e-mail or text message before fully considering its consequences.

• Mass Audience – A cyberbully can achieve their goal of humiliating another person by reaching a potentially huge online audience. Away messages, blogs, online journals and Web sites can achieve the same effect of the "bathroom walls" of generations past.

How easy is it to cyberbully?

You may think that it would be difficult for kids who do not have access to expensive or complex software to become cyberbullies. Think again!

• Many online companies offer free Web design software or free Web space for the common user. Most common for adolescents is MySpace.com
• Most online journals and blogs are free and only require a login name and password.
• Instant messaging systems are free to download from Yahoo, MSN, AIM, and ICQ.

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