Definition: What Does Cyberbullying Exactly Mean?

Cyberbullying is a relatively new phenomenon. Kids have been bullying other kids for generations. However, with the introduction of technology to expand their horizons, the latest generation have been able to bully others through the use of these technologies.

Cyberbullying itself is defined as the “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.”

So what does this exactly mean? Well, as of recently, teenagers (aka adolescents) have been using all forms of communication technologies to bully others, with cell phones (text messages and instant messaging), social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter as well as Myspace), video uploading sites (such as YouTube), and much more. There are no limits as to what has been done or how.

The actions that define cyberbullying are any that inflict harm repeatedly and willfully. Sure there are instances where a mistake may be made. However, intent plays a major role in differentiating cyberbullying against carelessness and if one truly has negative intent, there may truly be a problem. Mistakes should be avoided, but there will always be situations in which mistakes are made.