"Cyberbullying is an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself."

(http://www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying/)

Cyberbullying can include:

• Text messages
• Picture/video clip via mobile phones and bluetooth e.g. 'happy slapping'
• Phone calls, including silent calls and abusive messages
• E-mails
• Chat rooms
• Websites
• Instant Messaging

Unlike other forms of bullying cyberbullying can happen anytime and anywhere, at home, school or in the community. Targets of this type of bullying may feel that they cannot escape from it. It is often difficult or even impossible to identify who is responsible. Although phone calls, text messages and e-mails are most common picture/video clips and the use of websites mean that abusive messages or photos can be sent instantly to large numbers of people.

A recent report showed that at least 25% of students had been cyberbullied at least once over the previous months and at least one third of these told no one about the bullying.

Schools have a duty to ensure that cyberbullying is included in their anti-bullying policies.

The Protection from Harassment Act, the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and Section 43 of the Telecommunications Act may be used to combat cyberbullying. People prosecuted under these acts may be fined or sent to prison for up to six months, if found guilty.