Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or meaningful content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
With the prevalence of social media and digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content an individual shares online both their personal content, as well as any negative mean, or hurtful content, creates a kind of permanent public record of their views activities, and behavior. This public record can be thought of as an online reputation which may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others who may be researching an individual now or in the future.
