Cyberbullying: Definition, Types, Causes, Effects, and Legal Consequences

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to the intentional act of harming someone through digital means. It typically takes place via smartphones, tablets, computers, and the internet—including email, social media, messaging apps, and online games. This form of harassment involves sharing harmful, embarrassing, or private information to intimidate or upset the victim [1].

Types of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying manifests in several forms, many of which may go unrecognized as abuse:

1. Exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out of online groups or conversations to isolate them socially.
2. Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, threatening, or harmful messages designed to cause emotional pain.
3. Trickery: Gaining someone’s trust to obtain private information and then sharing it publicly or maliciously.
4. Impersonation (Fraping): Creating fake accounts in someone else’s name to post harmful or embarrassing content, often damaging their reputation.
5. Outing (or Doxing): Publicly revealing personal or sensitive information about someone without consent to shame or embarrass them.
6. Cyberstalking: Intense online harassment involving threats, surveillance, and sometimes even physical stalking. This is often considered a criminal offense [2].
7. Flaming: Using aggressive, abusive language to provoke the victim and incite arguments.
8. Fake Profiles: Using false identities to anonymously bully or manipulate others online.
9. Trolling: Posting inflammatory, offensive comments to provoke or upset others deliberately.

Causes of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can stem from a mix of personal, familial, academic, and societal factors:

• Personal Factors: Age, gender, social skills, empathy levels, and time spent online can influence both perpetrators and victims.
• Family Factors: Poor family relationships, low socioeconomic status, or lack of parental supervision may increase the risk.
• School-Related Factors: A school’s culture, management, and teacher-student relationships play significant roles.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Peer pressure, cultural norms, and societal values can also contribute.
• Psychological Factors: Bullies often lack empathy, feel empowered by anonymity, or seek attention and popularity. A troubled relationship with parents is also a common factor [3].

Effects of Cyberbullying

On Individuals:

• Low Self-Esteem: Victims may feel inferior or unattractive, especially when targeted for appearance or personal traits.
• Depression and Anxiety: Constant harassment can lead to persistent sadness, stress, and withdrawal from social interactions.
• Physical Symptoms: Victims might experience headaches, insomnia, chest pain, or skin conditions due to emotional stress.
• Suicidal Thoughts: In extreme cases, victims may develop suicidal ideation, especially if they feel helpless or unsupported [4].

On Society:

• Cyberbullying increases societal anxiety, especially among families concerned about their children’s mental health.
• It can disrupt students’ academic, emotional, and social development.
• The issue reflects broader challenges in the digital age, highlighting the need for societal awareness and intervention.

Legal Consequences

While cyberbullying is not always defined as a crime in itself, several laws can be applied:

• Harassment Laws (e.g., Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – UK): Offenders may face up to 6 months in jail or fines if found guilty of repeated harassment. If violence or serious threats are involved, penalties can escalate to 5 years in prison.
• Malicious Communications Act 1988 (UK): Sending threatening or false messages with intent to cause distress may result in jail time of up to 6 months or fines up to £5,000 [5].

Advice for Victims of Cyberbullying

• Don’t Blame Yourself: Understand that bullying is never the victim’s fault.
• Avoid Responding: Engaging with bullies often gives them the reaction they seek.
• Keep Evidence: Save messages or screenshots to report incidents if needed.
• Practice Assertiveness: Calmly ask the bully to stop, possibly role-playing with a trusted adult beforehand.
• Seek Help: Talk to a trusted friend, parent, or counselor.

• Report and Block: Use platform tools to block bullies and report abusive behavior. For serious threats, contact law enforcement.

   

Shocking Cyberbullying Statistics

According to a 2018 Ipsos global survey, 1 in 3 parents reported their child had experienced some form of cyberbullying [6].

A 2019 report by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 36% of U.S. teens (ages 12–17) had been cyberbullied in the past 30 days. Among these incidents, 22% involved the spread of online rumors [7].

References

1. StopBullying.gov. (n.d.). What is Cyberbullying? Retrieved from https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
2. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2022). Cyberstalking and Cyberharassment Laws. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/telecommunications-and-information-technology/cyberstalking-and-cyberharassment-laws.aspx
3. Ybarra, M. L., & Mitchell, K. J. (2004). Youth engaging in online harassment: Associations with caregiver–child relationships, Internet use, and personal characteristics. Journal of Adolescence, 27(3), 319–336.
4. John, A., Glendenning, A. C., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., Wood, S., ... & Hawton, K. (2018). Self-harm, suicidal behaviours, and cyberbullying in children and young people: A systematic review. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2(1), 32-42.
5. Legislation.gov.uk. (1988). Malicious Communications Act 1988. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/27/section/1
6. Ipsos. (2018). One in three parents say their child has been cyberbullied. Retrieved from https://www.ipsos.com/en/one-three-parents-say-their-child-has-been-cyberbullied
7. Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2019). Cyberbullying data 2019. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/2019-cyberbullying-data