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:

• Sending harassing text messages
• Making malicious/abusive phone calls
• Taking a picture/video of people on mobiles and passing these around for amusement
• Writing threatening emails
• Being abusive in chat rooms
• Writing nasty things about people in websites
• Sending nasty instant messages
• 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