Tackling Cyberbullying: Know the Tactics, Protect Yourself

Title: What constitutes as cyber bullying (stalking) · Cyberbullying is when an individual becomes a target by others — using computers, cell phones or other devices — to embarrass, humiliate, torment, threaten or harass. It is often repeated and sustained over a period of time. · The range of cyberbullying tactics is wide and is constantly changing as new technology emerges and different social networking sites pop up. · Sending mean or threatening messages by email, text or through comments on a social networking page is an example of cyberbullying. · Another example is spreading rumours, gossip, or secrets about another person through social networking sites, emails or texts. · Posting online stories to humiliate or embarrass someone constitutes as cyber bullying. As well as hacking their email account. · Tricking someone to open up and share personal information and then sharing that information with others is another form of cyber bullying. · Several Criminal Code offences deal with cyber bullying. Depending on the exact nature of the behaviour, the following current offences could be charged: o Criminal harassment o Uttering threats o Intimidation o Mischief in relation to data; o Unauthorized use of computer; o Identity fraud o Extortion o False messages, indecent or harassing telephone calls o Incitement of hatred; and, o Defamatory libel.

· If an image of you has been shared on the internet that you want removed, visit needhelpnow.ca for the steps that can be taken to get that picture/video off the internet. · Extortion in the Criminal Code: “Everyone commits extortion who, without reasonable justification or excuse and with intent to obtain anything, by threats, accusations, menaces or violence”