Tips, Tools & Solutions for Recognizing and Stopping Bullying in Social Media and Online

By Claire K. Hall, J.D.

Most people know cyberbullying when they experience it, mainly because of how it makes them feel. But it can be tough to put the action into words. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, cyberbullying is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.” In order to meet this definition, the action must be deliberate, not accidental; it must be a pattern of behavior, and not just one isolated incident; it must lead to harm or perceived harm on the part of the victim; and it must be done through electronic means, which is what makes it different from traditional bullying. But make no mistake: Cyberbullying is just as devastating to the victims as traditional bullying is.