Have you ever thought about what cyberbullying really means? As the name suggests, cyberbullying is bullying that takes place via technology, such as using the internet and online apps, or the cell phone to harm, harass or humiliate another person.
In case you’re going through cyberbullying, know that you are not the only one. Shockingly it’s truly normal and most of the teenagers have to face this. According to statistics almost, 55% turned to their parents for help, while 28% looked for help from their companions and 38% obstructed the culpable record. Read this article to discover what cyberbullying resembles, and the impacts of cyberbullying.
So, what are you waiting for? Let us jump in!
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that happens online through digital gadgets like mobile phones, computers, and tablets. In addition to this, cyberbullying can also take place via SMS, text messages, social media, and/or online gaming platforms where people can see, take part in, and spread negative content.
Cyberbullying consists of sending, posting, or sharing negative, hurtful, fake, or mean information about another person. It can incorporate sharing personal or private data about another person causing shame or mortification. Some cyberbullying goes too far and is thus considered as unlawful or criminal conduct.
Some of the most popular forums where cyberbullying takes place are:
- Social Media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
- SMS and text messaging on mobile or tablet devices
- Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
- Online gaming forums
- Online chat rooms and message boards like Reddit
Cyberbullying lawsuit
Most of the states have passed laws condemning cyberbullying. A few locales have likewise settled strict rules tending to tort claims on the issue. Those states which don’t have such explicit laws may permit cases of this nature under different types of personal injury law, for example, carelessness or deliberate infliction of pain claims.
A negligence plea requires demonstrating that the litigant owed a lawful obligation to the person in question and that the individual infringed this obligation. Furthermore, the casualty must have the option to show that the individual in question endured wounds because of the respondent’s violation. The subject of a legitimate obligation in this setting is frequently encircled as whether an individual has a lawful obligation to act in a sensible way with respect to another.
Deliberate castigation due to emotional pain regularly lays on whether the respondent’s direct was preposterous to such an extent that the person in question ought to be rebuffed for it. A defamation activity may emerge when the cyberbullying appears as false about the kid so as to harm their character. Other legitimate reasons for activity may incorporate slander and provocation.
How many states have cyberbullying laws?
The impacts of cyberbullying can be intense and have unfortunately have brought about suicides. Because of this scourge, numerous states have instituted cyberbullying laws. Presently, each of the 50 states have some type of law against cyberbullying.
Some of the states explicitly highlight cyberbullying. Nonetheless, the ones that don’t clearly specify it contain language that deals with cyberbullying offenses. Also, 42 of the states have model approaches set up to give direction to schools about managing harassing.
You must also remember that a few states enforce criminal punishments for cyberbullying cases, especially in situations where physical harm, harassment or death is involved.
What are the best cyberbullying laws?
Despite the fact that cyberbullying is viewed as a moderately new type of harassment and bullying, most states have school approvals (and some have criminal punishments) for cyberbullying or online harassment. In any case, just around twelve of those states have school sanctions for cyberbullying that takes place outside of school bounds. Below are some of the best cyberbullying laws:
- California – The California state law characterizes cyberbullying with regards to an educational institute to incorporate communication through electronic means while the Safe Place to Learn Act, alongside other code areas, set up a students unavoidable option to go to classes on school grounds that are sheltered, secure, and safe. The utilization of an electronic gadget to make somebody dread their life is charged as a crime, deserving of as long as one year in prison and additionally a fine of up to $1,000.
- Florida – Florida’s Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act denies harassing any K-12 student or member of the staff, including clear references to cyberbullying, characterized as “tormenting using online facilities and communication”. The law does exclude criminal authorizations for such acts, yet guides school areas to draft arrangements and to report cases of cyberbullying.
- Missouri – Cyberbullying is characterized by Missouri resolution as harassing through electronic communication including, however not restricted to, a message, text, sound, or picture by methods for an electronic gadget; school representatives are needed to report any known occurrences of cyberbullying. A person who utilizes online media to hurt someone else might be accused of provocation, a Class A crime, yet this turns into a Class D lawful offense if the casualty is 17 or younger and the respondent is 21 or more or if the litigant has an earlier badgering conviction.
What are some examples of cyberbullying?
Some examples of cyberbullying are:
- Harassing or threatening someone via online means
- Sending mean messages through instant messages, phone calls, texts or emails
- Posting personal or embarrassing pictures on the internet or sending them to others
- Creating a website that ranks someone on the basis of their appearance or popularity
- Verbally abusing other players in online games platforms
- Creating fake social media accounts to make fun of someone
- Stealing someone’s password and impersonating them online
- Spread gossip, and false rumors about someone with the intent to ruin his/her reputation
- Mislead someone into disclosing private information and then sending it to others
- Hacking someones email and sending mean comments to others with that account
- Starting blogs or websites that have stories, cartoons, pictures or jokes ridiculing others
How to prevent cyberbullying?
Due to the increase in cyberbullying cases, you need to know how to prevent it. You can take the following steps to stop cyberbullying:
- Educate yourself as to what cyberbullying is and what are its repercussions
- Talk to your child about it
- Discuss about this with other parents and the school administration as well to create a safe community
- Build a positive environment for your child.
- Monitor your child’s online activity
Conclusion
Cyberbullying can take a huge toll on your child’s mental health. Know about the cyberbullying laws in your state to be well aware of the action that you can take to keep your child protected and safe.
