What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can be done by sending or posting images or writing disturbing or insulting messages through electronic devices. It represents a real threat to the victims, but also for the cyberbullyers!

What are the dangers of cyberbullying?

The effects of cyberbullying on the victim are very real – shame, sadness, anger, depression – and the young victims really suffer. Cyberbullies are often unaware of how serious and far-reaching the consequences of their actions are.

Most types of cyberbullying can have legal consequences, and may even violate the criminal or civil code. In terms of civil law, cyberbullies may be required to pay damages, if it can be proved that the cyberbullying caused real injury to the victim. The parents of a cyberbully can even be held responsible for their teen’s online actions if it can be proved that they didn’t provide adequate supervision of their child’s online activities.

Criminal harassment, threats and intimidation are considered wrongful acts under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Making fun of someone’s gender, religion or sexual orientation violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The legal implications are complex, but they’re also very real.

How can you protect yourself from cyberbullying? What can you do if it happens?

This advice goes for anyone who’s a victim of cyberbullying :

• Tell someone you trust.
• If you’re being intimidated, immediately leave the area or stop the activity (chat room, news group, online gaming area, instant messaging, etc.).
• Block email or instant messages from the person harassing you.
• Change your email or MSN address and only give it to people you know and trust.
• Protect your passwords and personal information.
• Never reply to threatening or insulting messages.
• If you receive a harassing message or see an offensive Web page, report it to your Internet service provider. You can also report Internet abuse on the Videotron website.
• Do something if a friend is being cyberbullied, and say something if you see someone being bullied online.
• Think before you put anything online – be prepared for it to be up there for the entire world to see… forever!
• If you feel threatened, contact your local police department or the Sûreté du Québec.