Cyberbullying is bullying behavior in the form of sending or posting hurtful, embarrassing, or threatening texts or images, intimidating, spreading rumors, or putting down a person using the internet, text messaging, or other electronic communication devices.
Other forms of cyberbullying include creating websites that contain harmful or highly personal materials or images that may damage the victim’s reputation or friendships, distributing questionnaires that poll about the victim’s physical traits, and excluding victims from online groups.
Cyberbullying in schools is extremely common since many students have access to the internet outside of school, cyberbullying can occur at any time of day, and its effects can be difficult to avoid.
While most people consider cyberbullying a teenage issue, the workplace is not immune to cyberbullying. In fact, workplace bullies often use cyberbullying to intimidate coworkers and control their environment.
Extensive research on bullying has shown that it has major long and short-term effects on the victim that range from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression to school avoidance, academic failure, low productivity, and resignation. In cases of extreme bullying, some tormented victims have thought about or resorted to committing suicide
The school board can potentially be liable for cyberbullying by students.
An employer can potentially be liable for bullying in the workplace.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of cyberbullying at school or in the workplace, please contact our team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP. for a free initial consultation.