Cyberbullying

Bullying via the internet or mobile phone

Cyberbullying is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones or the internet (social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger), to deliberately upset someone.

It can happen any time of day and occur on a large scale and speed, due to the nature of the technology.

Bullies often feel anonymous and 'distanced' from the incident when it takes place online and 'bystanders' can easily become perpetrators by forwarding or not reporting cyberbullying.

There is not a specific law which makes cyberbullying illegal by can be considered a criminal offence under several different acts including Protection from Harassment Act (1997), Malicious Communications Act (1988), Communications Act (2003) Obscene Publications Act (1959) and Computer Misuse Act (1990).

If you're being bullied online/by text

Save the messages/material
Tell an adult or report it online
Do not retaliate or reply. If possible, block the person.

If you see bullying online/by text

Report it to a parent, trusted adult or teacher.
Support the victim - imagine how you would feel if you were being bullied.

Advice for parents, carers and teachers

Your child is just as likely to be a bully as they are to be a target. Watch out for uncharacteristic behaviour (your child being upset or secretive, using the phone/internet more than usual, changing friendship group.)
Remind your child not to retaliate and keep any evidence
Report the bullying – contact the school if the bullying involves another pupil and contact your service provider to report the user and remove the content. If the bullying is more serious and a potential criminal offence, consider contacting Kent Police on 01622 690690.

Useful websites

Watch a video on sexting and cyberbullying

This video was produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).