Cyberbullying & The Law

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In our increasingly online world, cyberbullying has become all-too-common: more than 40% of Americans have experienced online harassment and nearly 70% have witnessed it. Those who bully others can be classmates, co-workers, or even complete strangers. Often, these bullies create multiple fictitious accounts to avoid being caught and facing repercussions. The anonymity of the Internet and the slow response by authorities to threats in the online world have harmed millions of Americans. Your attorney through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans can give you expert, detailed advice pertaining to your situation if you ever find yourself or someone you love being cyberbullied. Read on for more information about cyberbullying and what can be done about it.

Cyberbullying can be many things, including:

• Publication of personal identifying information (doxxing)

• Cyberstalking

• Posting falsehoods and rumors

• Threats

• Publishing personal or intimate photos

• Spamming public sites with negative reviews (Yelp, etc)

• Impersonating someone

• Violating restraining orders or protective orders

Cyberbullying can feel like it will never end and can be extremely cruel, causing severe emotional trauma and even physical harm. All 50 US states have some form of cyberbullying law, but these laws vary significantly from state-to-state. Some states have anonymous reporting systems, education programs for students and school staff, and punishments, including suspensions or expulsions. In some states, cyberbullying can be a misdemeanor that can result in jail term of up to one year. In some states, cyberbullying may be prosecuted as a felony.

Unfortunately, there is no Federal cyberbullying law; however, some Federal statutes regarding discrimination based on nationality, race, gender, color, gender identity, disability, age, religion, and sexual orientation come into play if the harassment is based on any of those traits. Federally funded schools are obligated to investigate and resolve harassment and bullying in these cases.

Some steps you can take if you or someone you know is the victim of cyberbullying:

• Review and understand the Terms of Service (TOS) of the platform on which the harassment occurred when bullies violate the rules

• Document all threats and harassment with screenshots and print outs for possible use in court

• Report the harassment to the platform where the bullying happened to report a violation of their Terms of Service

• Report anonymous accounts

• Report multiple accounts run by the same person

• Block the perpetrator(s)

• If you're a parent and the victim is your child, review your child's online communications

• Make sure you know all your child's login information where they spend time online

• "Follow" your child's social media accounts

• Any threat that includes threats to use firearms or explosives should be immediately reported to the FBI

• Let your local police know about the situation; if you later become the victim of "swatting" (the harassment of calling police with fake emergency situations such as hostages or home invasions), the police may contact you first before sending out a SWAT team to your home

• If the bullying is happening at school, let the school administration know

If you're dealing with online threats and harassment, your attorney through our Legal Protection Plan for Individuals and Families can advise you of your rights in your state, county, city, and school district, and give you advice on the next steps to take. Our network of dedicated, experienced attorneys can provide you with quick answers for bullying and harassment, as well as any other legal issue you may be having, all for one low, monthly fee, starting at just $29.95. Learn more about our Legal Protection Plans or Sign Up Now!