Consequences of cyberbullying
Cyberstalking can be devastating: it can destroy friendships, as well as the reputation, self-esteem and self-confidence of a student or adult. It can even lead to children’s suicide, especially when cyberbullying is directed against a person’s honor (defamation, slander, insults, sexual images, etc.). It is all the more devastating when it is accompanied by harassment (at school or outside for pupils, at home or at work for women and men).
Legal and penal consequences
Depending on the country, cyberstalking may be punishable under criminal law if it violates honor or freedom. In Switzerland, articles 173 (defamation), 174 (slander), 177 (insults), 179 (images), 180 (threats), 181 (coercion), 187 (sexual integrity), 189 (sexual coercion) and 197 (pornography) make cyberstalking punishable in these cases, although the word cyberstalking does not appear.
Swiss Penal Code: https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified-compilation/19370083/index
In the Philippines, slander is punishable by up to 12 years’ imprisonment.
http://www.anti-cybercriminalite.fr/article/les-rumeurs-sur-internet-sont-aussi-qualifi%C3%A9es-de-cyber-crime
Cyberbullying and technology
Technology makes it easy for cyber stalkers. Spyware can be used to monitor everything that happens on your computer or cell phone, giving cyber stalkers a wealth of information and increasing their power to cause harm.
Technical advice in the event of cyberstalking or attempted cyberstalking:
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In these cases, and in all cases where a stranger contacts you on the Internet or by text message, immediately inform your family, your teacher or a school official.
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Report any cyberstalking to the police.
Many police departments have specialized cybercrime units, and cyberstalking is punishable by law. -
Keep a copy of any message or image you receive online, as proof. Use the print screen function to save screenshots.
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If you suspect that someone is using spyware to track your daily activities and you feel in danger, use only public computers or telephones to request assistance. Otherwise your efforts to get help will become known to your stalker, exposing you to even greater danger.
Technical tips to prevent cyberbullying
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Never put personal information on the Internet, even when you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Never divulge your full name, your school, your address or even your home town, or your telephone number.
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Monitor physical access to your PC and other Internet access devices, such as cell phones, with the utmost vigilance.
Cyber-stalkers often use software and hardware devices (sometimes attached to the back of your PC without your knowledge) to monitor their victims. -
Always exit your programs before stepping away from your computer, and use a screensaver with a password. The same applies to cell phone passwords.
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Keep your passwords safe and secure: never share your passwords, and change them frequently!
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Enter your name and those of other family members as keywords in a search engine, to find out what personal information is available on the Internet. Don’t hesitate to explore social networking sites (including those of your friends and work colleagues) and delete any private or inappropriate information you find there.
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Delete any online calendars or itineraries (even those from your own social network) in which you’ve noted events you plan to attend. This information could provide a stalker with information about your future travel plans and dates.
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Use the privacy settings on your online accounts to restrict access to your personal information by people outside your inner circle. These settings allow you to refuse to display your profile every time someone searches for your name. You can also block certain people from accessing your publications and photos.
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Use security software worthy of the name to prevent anyone from transmitting spyware to your computer via a phishing attack or an infected web page.
Security software will enable you to detect any spyware on your device and thus reduce your chances of becoming a victim of cyberstalking.
Sources:
Information based partly on the website of Norton Security, a data protection software company, and partly on our internal experience.