What is Cyber Harassment?
Definition
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, cyber harassment “involves the use of communication technologies such as the Internet, social networking sites, websites, email, text messaging and instant messaging to repeatedly intimidate or harass others.”
Things to look for:
- Insulting or threatening emails, text messages, or posts
- Spreading embarrassing or private photos online
- Impersonating an individual on social media
- Creating a website, forum, or group to insult or demean others
- Blackmailing an individual with private information
- Tricking someone into revealing personal information
Ways to Prevent and Intervene
For Survivors (you know what's best, these are suggestions and they may not work in your situation):
- It's not your fault
- Leave the online conversation
- Keep evidence of the harassment through screenshots or written information
- Report harassment on the social media site used
- Inform the police if harassment involves criminal offences such as threats of violence, sexual exploitation, identity theft, or defamation
- If within an education setting, contact school administrators
- Block contact from the perpetrator
For Friends, Family, and Co-Workers of Cyber Harassment Victims
- Talk to the victim, and let them know they do not have to deal with cyber harassment alone
- Support them in documenting the harassment and reporting to the police
- Provide opportunities for the victim and allow them to choose how they address the cyber harassment
- If someone you know is perpetrating cyber harassment, speak with them about how their behaviour is harmful
- If someone you know continues to perpetrate cyber harassment, consider reporting their actions to the police, school administrators, or workplace supervisors
Resources and Sources of Information
Legal Line Canada – Cyberbullying.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Internet Harassment.