What is cyberbullying and what are the legal implications?

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place on electronic devices such as the internet, cell phones, and social media. It is a type of harassment and involves sending or posting mean, hurtful or embarrassing messages or photos online. It can often be anonymous, making it difficult to identify the perpetrator. In North Carolina, cyberbullying can be punishable by law. North Carolina state law states that bullying is a Class 2 misdemeanor and cyberbullying falls under that category. That means that any person who willfully and maliciously assaults, strikes, intimidates, harasses, or threatens another person that is younger than 18 could face a punishment of a fine and/or jail time. The law also states that publishing any statement, picture or other material to another person intended to “coerce, intimidate, or humiliate” another person is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This can apply to cyberbullying, meaning that if a person posts a statement, picture, or other material online that is intended to harass, threaten, or dishonor another person, they will face a harsher punishment, which can include more severe fines and/or jail time. At a school level, cyberbullying can be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. Additionally, schools may report cyberbullying incidents to the police and/or contact the perpetrator’s parents. The severity of the punishment for cyberbullying depends upon the individual case, but it is important to remember that it can be punishable by law.

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What is cyberbullying and what are the legal implications?

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