In this digital age, bullying is no longer relegated to the schoolyard. Bullies can now attack in the place kids should feel the safest -- their homes.
Instead of physically harming or verbally attacking their victims, cyberbullies use the Internet, cell phones and other technology to hurt, threaten and embarrass others. Because it is done online, the effect of cyberbullying is more far-reaching and enduring than bullying that occurs at school.
Cyberbullies can victimize their targets in a variety of ways, including the following:
Creating websites that make fun of or criticize another person
Sending mean or threatening emails, instant messages or text messages
Pretending to be someone else to trick their victim into revealing personal information
Lying about their victim online
Breaking into their victim's email or instant messages
Posting unflattering or offensive pictures online, without permission
Using websites to rate their peers
In most instances, the victims of cyberbullying know their attackers. They are often classmates, friends or online acquaintances. One study showed that only 23 percent of victims were bullied by someone they didn't know.