What Does the Law Say?

  • Cyber-
    bullying
    is
    when…

    someone hurts, threatens or frightens you regularly, by sending messages or images using the Internet, mobile phones or other forms of digital communication.

  • If someone cyberbullies another person…

    some cyberbullying activities could be criminal offences:

    If a person sends letters / messages with the intent of causing distress or anxiety this could result in up to 6 months imprisonment and / or a fine.

    (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Malicious Communications Act 1988)

  • If someone cyberbullies another person…

    some cyberbullying activities could be criminal offences.

    When cyberbullying takes the form of hacking into someone else’s account, then other criminal laws will be relevant, such as the Computer Misuse Act 1990, in addition to civil laws on confidentiality and privacy.

    (Computer Misuse Act 1990)

  • In addition, if any of these methods of bullying are utilised as part of…

    an incident, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate in regards of race, sexual orientation, faith, disability, etc. the incident can become a Hate Crime Incident.

    This could result in additional penalties of up to 6 months dependent on the discretion of the magistrate or if it is considered aggravated the case can be tried in crown court and could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years.