ABSTRACT

Cyber-bullying is the posting of nasty messages to or about individuals online. This growing phenomenon has had significant media coverage in recent years, with the worst scenarios leading to serious outcomes including suicide. Cyber-bullying is pervasive, because those who are targeted cannot escape if they use social media at all, the anonymity may encourage more extreme messages, and posts may be sent on and/or be seen by a whole school or community. This is sometimes referred to as a virus (see Resources).