There are certain key markers, to help us recognise when someone has crossed the line into cyber bullying behaviours. Please note that these act as a guide only and are not definitive, neither do they all have to be present;
Intention – This is an important factor. However, even if there is no malicious intention the impact on the victim is taken into consideration, therefore if the victim has been negatively affected the ‘intention’ is assumed.
Repetition – One incident may be sufficient to constitute misuse even if it is never repeated by the perpetrator or anyone else. Posting content online itself constitutes repetition as it can be viewed and forwarded repeatedly. Online content is permanent, meaning that a single act of cyber bullying can lead to countless incidents of victimisation.
Imbalance of Power – Either actual or perceived. There does not need to be an imbalance of power, but the existence of one can elevate some acts to misuse. The perpetrator may hold a higher social status within a virtual community or group making it difficult to stand up to them. Also, it is hard for the victim to force their aggressors or the network providers to delete harmful material.
Anonymity – feelings of frustration and powerlessness can be enhanced by not knowing the identity of a cyber bully.
Publicity – The bullying takes place in a public setting, i.e. online. Private group chats are still online and therefore fall under this category. Even a Snapchat to one person might be screen-grabbed and reposted.
Cyber bullying is not always easy to identify, and some studies have highlighted the ambiguity of certain behaviours; which some believe to be harmless, and others maintain is outright bullying.
That said, most people recognise that anyone making online direct personal threats or posting someone’s personal information online constitutes cyber bullying.
You should be aware that the consensus now is: if the victim is affected by the behaviour this is an important factor. So, the effect on the victim and their own perception of the act can be more relevant than the intention of the aggressor.
Sometimes bullies thrive by having helpers. These people are also sometimes the ones who administer the ‘blows’. You wouldn’t stand by if you were witnessing bullying in the street, so we shouldn’t stand by when it is being done online.
Online bullying can rapidly get out of hand, and damaging online material can quickly go viral, which may have far-reaching consequences.
Whilst we wait for social media giants to implement more robust safeguards to protect online users, students should be armed with the ability to recognise the many different forms cyber bullying can take and the knowledge that there is always somewhere to turn to for guidance and help. Please see our advice page for further information and resources.
