Cyberbullying

How It Can Happen

Children can also be victimized by online bullies. While much bullying still takes place face-to-face, the Internet makes it possible for "cyberbullies" to harass their victims at any time of the day, even in their own homes.

Using chat rooms, email, instant messaging, and websites, online bullies can make threats, share gossip, spread lies or distribute embarrassing pictures to a wide audience while maintaining some anonymity.  Unfortunately, instances of harassment are increasing. One in every 11 children reported being threatened or harassed while using the Internet, a 50% increase.1 These attacks can be very upsetting for any victim but especially for a child.

Contact Your ISP

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be able to help you deal with a cyberstalker. Your ISP may be a company like America Online (AOL), Microsoft Network (MSN) or EarthLink. Many telephone companies and cable television companies are also ISPs.

1. David Finkelhor, Kimberly J. Mitchell, and Janis Wolak. Online Victimization: Five Years Later, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2006