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The term cyberbullying refers to the use of Internet and/or mobile technology to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another. Although bullying is hardly a new problem, it has moved from the schoolyard to social networking sites such as Facebook, emails, and mobile text messages. Nearly all states have bullying laws in place, many with cyberbullying or electronic harassment provisions.

This article covers cyberbullying in the context of criminal law. See Specific State Laws Against Bullying and What to Do If Your Child is Bullied to learn more.

Why is Cyberbullying Such a Serious Problem?

Despite the absence of physical contact or audible insults, cyberbullying can be even more traumatizing than traditional forms of bullying. Through social media and mobile communications, bullying can now potentially be viewed by all of a child's friends, family, and acquaintances. As a result, the embarrassment, shame, and other more severe consequences of bullying can become even more severe.

Consider, for example, if a high school student takes an unflattering picture of a classmate and sends it to all of her friends (via mobile phone) with hurtful comments. Suddenly, the target student is being teased by more than half of her classmates. So instead of one instance of bullying, it often takes on a life of its own.

The Department of Health Human Services offers information and tips for preventing cyberbullying at its StopBullying.gov website.

Is Cyberbullying a Crime?

Until recently, no laws specifically addressed cyberbullying. But legislators have not been blind to the increasing number of high-publicity incidents, including tragic results in certain cases (suicides and school shootings, for instance). Laws have sprung up in some states, but often leave enforcement in the hands of school officials. As such, cyberbullying may often be treated as a civil, rather than a criminal matter.

However, prosecutors have used existing laws on the books to prosecute individuals suspected of cyberbullying. Criminal harassment statutes can often provide a basis for bringing charges in severe cases, and more serious criminal charges have been brought in cases where the offense has resulted in suicide or other tragic consequences.

Recently created cyber harassment statutes may also provide an avenue for charging online bullies in some states. Nearly half of U.S. states include cyberbullying in their broader bullying laws (PDF), while most states also include either cyberbullying or electronic harassment as well. The nationwide trend is toward greater accountability for bullying in general, both in school and off campus, including criminal statutes.

Florida's Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act (Florida Statutes Annotated, section 1006.147 ), which prohibits bullying of any K-12 student or staff member, includes specific references to cyberbullying. The law doesn't include criminal sanctions for such acts, but directs school districts to draft policies and to report instances of bullying.

Victims in most states may seek remedies in civil court in some situations.

What are the Penalties for Cyberbullying?

The penalties for cyberbullying are as wide-ranging as the laws discussed above. Depending on the state and applicable laws, sanctions could range anywhere from civil penalties, such as school intervention via suspensions and/or expulsions, to jail time for criminal misdemeanors and even felonies.

As this area of law is rapidly evolving, talk to a personal injury lawyer or education attorney for more information on the laws that specifically apply in your jurisdiction.