Cyber Bullying - The Law
Before you hit that send button... Know the facts - think twice!
Cyber Bullying is using any form of technology to abuse or threaten another person. Examples include:
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Sending harassing text messages
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Making malicious/abusive phone calls
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Taking a picture/video of people on mobiles and passing these around for amusement
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Writing threatening emails
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Being abusive in chat rooms
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Writing nasty things about people in websites
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Sending nasty instant messages
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Breaking into someone’s email account to send nasty messages to others
Whilst there is not a specific criminal offence called cyberbullying, activities can be criminal offences under a range of different laws, including:
. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
. The Malicious Communications Act 1988
. Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003
. Public Order Act 1986
. The Defamation Acts 1952 and 1996