Cyberbullying is the inappropriate use of technology, such as the internet or mobile phones, to cause harm to others. It has been estimated that up to 30% of adolescents are victims of bullying with up to 60% of cybervictims being females. Cyberbullies hide behing the technology and are sometimes difficult to trace.
Cyberbullying may be more harmful than other forms of bullying as it can spread quickly to many others, such as on the internet, from which the victim can feel no escape. Victims of cyberbullying can feel depressed, develop phobias and somatic symptoms as well as display aggression and non-compliance. Parents should be aware of any inappropriate changes in their child’s behaviour and look at various forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, as a possible cause.