Cyberbullying

Cyber Bullying is Dangerous: What Parents need to Know

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. Cyberbullying is a very serious wide spread and could cause severe attack on an individual. It could harm the child using technology to deal with it and prevented it from potential dangers. The best way is to parents can convince them to protect their child from cyber bullying to be informed about closely tuned in to their kids, and to take preventive measures.

Cyber Bullying Signs

Most children will not tell their parents that they are being bullied out of fear that their parents will take away the technology. Because of this, it is up to parents to keep their eyes open for the telltale signs of bullying:

• A changed attitude towards technology: the child is either hesitant to go online or spends longer hours at the computer
• The child seems upset after using the computer or cell phone
• Nervousness when receiving texts, e-mails, or instant messages
• The child hides or clears the computer screen or closes his cell phone when you enter
• Withdrawal from friends
• The child falls behind in his schoolwork
• Fear of going to school or to social events (birthdays, school trips, outings)
• A visible change in personality, behavior or mood: the child seems withdrawn, sad, anxious, or agitated
• A change in sleep pattern and appetite
• Aggressive behavior
• A sudden change of friends

http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/yourmentalhealth/2013/03/12/cyber-bullying-is-dangerous-what-
parents-need-to-know/

Consequences of Cyberbullying

Each cyberbullying incident is dealt with on a case by case basis and depends a lot on the parents as well as the school the child is attending. 

Most of the time when a parent discovers their child is cyberbullying they revoke their child´s internet networking privileges such as Facebook or IM accounts and may remove his/her computer privileges or confiscate his/her mobile telephone. Many parents often try to get their school involved in disciplinary action against the cyberbully, but, unfortunately, schools often avoid getting involved in off-campus matters. Some schools are sued for exceeding their authority and violating the right to free speech. This is where many parents have their hands tied and lose the support they were hoping for the most. 

In the worst case (or the best case, depending on how you look at it), a cyberbully may be charged with a misdemeanor cyberharassment charge and sent to a juvenile delinquency program. In some countries it is a criminal offence if someone spreads hate or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, skin color, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Internet hacking and stealing an identity or password may also be considered an offense. Check your local authorities to find out which acts are punishable by law. Unfortunately, most cyberbullying incidents never materialize into criminal charges, despite the efforts made by parents. 

http://www.marbellafamilyfun.com/consequences-of-cyberbullying.html

State Cyberstalking and Cyberharrassment Laws

States have enacted "cyberstalking" or "cyberharassment" laws or have laws that explicitly include electronic forms of communication within more traditional stalking or harassment laws. In addition, recent concerns about protecting minors from online bullying or harassment have led states to enact "cyberbullying" laws. This chart identifies state laws that include specific references to electronic communication. However, other state laws may still apply to those who harass, threaten or bully others online, although specific language may make the laws easier to enforce. This chart classifies the various state laws addressing these three different types of online behaviors, as described below.

Cyberstalking.  Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet, email or other electronic communications to stalk, and generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors. Cyberstalking may be considered the most dangerous of the three types of Internet harassment, based on a posing credible threat of harm. Sanctions range from misdemeanors to felonies.

Cyberharassment. Cyberharassment differs from cyberstalking in that it may generally be defined as not involving a credible threat. Cyberharassment usually pertains to threatening or harassing email messages, instant messages, or to blog entries or websites dedicated solely to tormenting an individual. Some states approach cyberharrassment by including language addressing electronic communications in general harassment statutes, while others have created stand-alone cyberharassment statutes.

Note: This chart does not cover cyberbullying laws. Cyberbullying and cyberharassment are sometimes used interchangeably, but cyberbullying generally refers to electronic harassment or bullying among minors within a school context. See the NCSL's Education Program's cyberbullying page for more information on cyberbullyings laws and legislation.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/telecommunications-and-information-technology/cyberstalking-and-cyberharassment-laws.aspx