Many more cases of cyber bullying among local teenagers have recently been reported. Although it seems cyber bullying is a faceless and nameless crime there can be serious consequences.
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying includes acts involving bullying and harassment through the use of electronic devices or technology.
Cyber bullying is perpetrated through the following methods:
– Text messages
– Picture/video clips (via mobile phones)
– Mobile phone calls
– Emails
– Chat rooms
– Instant messages
– Website and blogs
– Social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter)
– Internet gaming.
Legal Consequences of Cyber Bullying
The perpetrator may be criminally charged with the following offences:. Crimen injuria – consists of the unlawful, intentional and serious violation of dignity or privacy of another person.. Assault – any unlawful and intentional act or omission which results in another person’s bodily integrity being directly or indirectly impaired or which inspires a belief or fear in another person that such impairment will be carried out.. Criminal defamation – is the unlawful and intentional publication of a matter concerning another, which tends to seriously injure his or her reputation. This includes both verbal or written defamation.. Extortion – is committed when a person unlawfully and intentionally obtains some advantage, which may be of either a patrimonial or non–patrimonial nature, from another, by subjecting the latter to pressure, which induces him or her to hand over the advantage.
The perpetrator may also be sued for damages and defamation.
Source: https://www.justice.gov.za
