Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like mobile phones, computers, and tablets. Cyber bullying can occur through text messages, apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyber bullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.
Any form of bullying can be harmful to a young person, Life Skills Education’s DARE Primary Programme discusses these issues with young people in the context of hate crime, difference and self esteem. At the end of the course the children write a DAaRT report in which they can reflect on what they have learned. This is often completed as part of a literacy lesson, with the class teacher.