Anti-bullying charity Beat Bullying this week has welcomed a landmark ruling on cyberbullying handed down by a UK court.

Cyberbullying does not just impact on youngsters, anyone of any age can be a victim.  As more of our lives are lived on-line and virtually, it is also likely to become more of a problem.

This was an alarming case involving two former friends and a vindictive bullying campaign launched on a social networking site that ended with one person attempting suicide and another given a 12-month referral order and told to pay his victim £250.

The court heard the 17-year-old was convicted of harassment because, he created a fake profile on a social networking site, apparently lured his former friend into an online relationship then published secrets and lies about him online.

Niall Cowley of Beat Bullying said:
 
“This is a significant legal landmark. There is an incorrect perception that real world laws do not apply online, and that harassment, intimidation and threatening behaviour will go unpunished.

“Well let this be a cautionary tale to would-be cyberbullies.

“The truth is, when you bully online, you are more likely to be caught because of your digital fingerprint.”

Chair of the Bench, Tim Chittleburgh, said he hoped the case would send a message to others.

“This was a piece of planned sustained harassment in public. There was a clear breach of trust and it is clear that the defendant set out to humiliate his victim.

“It was sophisticated and we don’t mean that in a good way.”

In this case the cyberbully as a minor, could not be named, he pleaded guilty last month to harassment and was sentenced to a 12-month referral order.  He was ordered to pay compensation of £250 to his victim and had his laptop destroyed.

If your asking yourself, why do cyberbullies do it?

There’s no simple answer why some people choose to cause pain to others by bullying them.  Cyberbullies often think that getting their group of friends to laugh at someone makes them look cool or more popular and bully others as a form of entertainment or because they are bored and have too much time on their hands.

Whilst many just do it for laughs or to get a reaction.  There are lots of possible reasons, jealousy, anger or revenge, and strange but true they actually believe they wont get caught if they do it via the internet.

Whatever the reasons for taking advantage of cutting edge technology in this way, the motives of those who are doing this and the excuses they make for their behaviour are age-old.  Its so easy to be brave behind a screen..

The issue of cyberbullying is serious and various charities such as Beat Bullying and Bullying UK  have made concerted efforts in recent times to highlight the growing threat it poses.  It is an issue that clearly needs to be covered in a considered way that raises awareness and offers resources and hope for those on the receiving end.

If you have found a website or activity on the Internet you suspect to be illegal, don’t just ignore it, make a report to the UK Hotline. Click HERE:  The hotline will conduct a full investigation on the content and take the necessary action in line with national legislation.

Related Links:

Growing Pains Island Pulse: September 30th, 2007

Bullying UK

Beat Bullying

Internet Watch Foundation The UK Hotline specifically: Click HERE: to report illegal content.