Cyberbullying is defined as the use of ICT (information computer technology) to deliberately upset someone. It is a particularly nasty and upsetting form of bullying and there are things you can do if you are a victim of this form of bullying. The effects of cyberbullying can be serious; causing stress, a sense of isolation and at its worse can make you have suicidal thoughts.
Cyberbullying can take the form of malicious texts, Facebook messages, malicious e-mails from anonymous senders and photographs and video footage of you used inappropriately over social network sites.
If you are the victim of Cyberbullying through malicious texts and e-mails at work block the caller/sender and report the incident to your Manager or HR Department immediately. If your child is a victim of cyber-bullying and you think you may know who the perpetrator is, contact your child’s school immediately, as they normally have an established anti-bullying policy.
Under no circumstances reply to any inappropriate messages and don’t forget to SAVE any emails/IMs/text messages or print out/take a screenshot of the content on the internet as evidence. GET IN CONTACT WITH YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER to report the user and ask them to remove the content. If you feel threatened or in fear of your life contact the Police IMMEDIATELY.
While there is no specific criminal offence called cyberbullying, these acts can be criminal offences under a range of different laws to include the Malicious Communications Act 1988, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 and Public Order Act 1986.
Cyberbullying is being taken very seriously by the Courts and Facebook was ordered to provide the identity of cyber bullies for more information
If you have been or are a victim of cyber bullying you can bring criminal charges and a claim for personal injuries against the perpetrator.
Affordable Law For You do not provide assistance in respect of criminal matters but do feel very strongly about this matter and if you need to get in contact with a Criminal Firm of Lawyers because you wish to bring charges against anyone who has committed such an act against you, contact the Law Society and ask them for details of Criminal Solicitors in your area.
Deborah Aloba
Affordable Law For You Limited
This blogpost is for information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal advice because it does not consider or take into account your own personal circumstances. If in doubt, seek legal advice.