Cyberbullying can take many forms. Compared to traditional bullying, which is typically confined to the neighborhood or school, cyberbullying may seem even more powerful because it can invade a child's life that was once considered private. No place and no time are off limits to cyberbullying. Children and teens can receive threatening e-mails, cruel IMs or texts can arrive at any time day or night. Some wake up to find angry or humiliating texts on their phone. This type of bullying can occur 24/7. It can feel that no place is safe anymore to a child being cyberbullied.

Cyberbullying:

Most cyberbulling involving kids and teens is done by their peers and occurs as early as 2nd grade. Cyberbullying takes many forms, with the most common being:

• sending insulting or threatening emails, texts, or instant messages directly to someone using a computer, cell phone or other e-communication device.
• spreading hateful comments about someone through emails, blogs, online profiles or chat rooms.
• stealing passwords and sending out threatening messages using a false identity
• building a Web site targeting specific people

85% of middle school children report being cyberbullied at least once

32% of American teens who use the Internet report some form of online harassment

In a recent study, 72% of participants, ages 12-17, claimed they knew who was doing the cyberbullying. 

New Jersey State Law:

Electronic communication is added to the definition of bullying, and schools may discipline when acts disrupt school.  (Sec. 18A: 37-14 (2007))

In 2008, New Jersey became one of the first states to address a cyberbullying policy for college and university students.