Cyberbullying is the use of new technologies - particularly the internet and mobiles - deliberately to upset someone else.
As new technologies cement their place in young people's lives, cyberbullying is affecting increasing numbers of children and teenagers in the UK.
It's important to understand first of all that cyberbullying can be done via a number of channels, including:
- Text message - for example, a student might receive nasty or threatening texts
- Mobile phone call - for example, someone might call a student persistently on their mobile
- Photo / video / webcam message - for example, a student might have photos or film footage taken without their permission, which is then passed on to other people
- Email - for example, someone might send malicious emails to a student from a supposedly anonymous email address
- Instant message (IM) - for example, someone might steal a student's Instant Message ID and send threatening messages to another internet user
- Chat room - for example, a fellow chat room user might start saying rude things about a student
- Website (eg social networking profile, video-sharing site or blog) - for example, a student could be filmed without their knowledge and the video clip could be posted online
- Interactive games - for example, a fellow gamer might try to block a student from a game
As the above shows, cyberbullying can involve:
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassment or "cyberstalking”
- Defamation
- Impersonation
- Exclusion
- Identity theft
- Unauthorised publication of private information or images
The Department for Education's Cyberbullying Guidance includes a useful table exploring the way different technologies can be used to bully on page 6 .
Click here for our tips for helping young people who are being cyberbullied .
Cyberbullying also affects teachers and other school staff. If you are experiencing harassment over the internet or your mobile, visit the Teacher Advice section of Teachtoday and read the UK Government's guidance document ‘Cyberbullying: Supporting School Staff' .