Legal Actions Against Cyberbullying: What You Can Do

It's distressing when you're experiencing a barrage of bullying and harassment. It's important to remember that these actions are not just tolerated but can indeed be addressed through various legal means. This article outlines the steps you can take to seek help and protect yourself from this form of harassment.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals. It can manifest in various forms, including online threats, harassment, spreading rumors, and even stalking. In some cases, the harassment may extend to others who are mutual participants. Despite the lack of initial support, taking legal action can be incredibly effective.

Formal Complaints and Documentation

If your harassers are causing you significant distress, it is crucial to file a formal complaint. This process involves documenting the specifics of the harassment, including:

When the incidents occurred How the harassers were identified (screen names, usernames, etc.) Who else witnessed the incidents The entirety of the interactions, including screenshots and recordings (where applicable)

Once you have documented the incidents, it is time to report them. Depending on the severity, you can approach the relevant authorities directly or involve your school (if you are a student).

Contacting Law Enforcement and Relevant Authorities

If the harassment is severe and you are not seen as a priority by school officials, it is advisable to involve the police. You can visit your local police department or even the FBI if the harassers are in a different country. The FBI has a Cyber Division that specializes in these matters.

Even if the people harassing you don't live within your jurisdiction, there are several steps you can take:

Notify the local or state police, as well as the State Attorney General if applicable Contact the relevant state coalition or consider forming one yourself if legislation is needed Inform your school and your parents if you are a minor and the harasser is known to you

Legal actions can be challenging, especially when the attackers are unknown or use anonymous methods to hide their identities. However, the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly against women, means that more jurisdictions are taking this issue seriously.

Protecting Your Identity and Online Safety

While you take legal action, it's also important to protect yourself from identity theft and further harassment. Here are some steps to consider:

Get LifeLock: This service can help protect your identity and personal information from fraudsters. Change Passwords Frequently: Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store these passwords safely. Create Strong, Secure Phrases: Use long, memorable phrases that are difficult to crack. For example:

Examples:

iwanttogorevisitveniceoneDay2 Janeandsusanarecomingtomypartyonthe4th iloveMyCatFurbywhopassedjuly14andmisshimverymuch

These are just examples of strong, memorable passwords that are harder to crack than those made of simple words.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your online presence remains secure and that you are not a victim of further harassment. Remember, you have the right to be safe and protected from cyberbullying.