Cyber bullying is potentially far more harmful than traditional bullying as it can occur at anytime, anywhere and by anyone. It can spread very quickly and globally and once posted often irretrievable.  Victims of cyber bullying can suffer the same very serious effects as those who are victimized by traditional bullying, including suffering from depression, anxiety and other disorders.

Cyber bullying will be a very difficult thing to contain and a simple band aide technique such as the governments suggestion of placing a filter on the internet, whatever that may mean, will not work.  Just like bullying putting an anti-bullying program in place is only part of the solution.

The government needs to act very quickly to create laws which will address cyber bullying and it needs to be considered as a serious crime. I have seen the effects of cyber bullying on young victims and it can be relentless and all consuming, destroying the victim’s life. I recently saw a young female who was too afraid to leave her home as her cyber bullying was publicly posted on the internet and she felt that there was no where she could escape and feel safe and no one she could trust. Cyber bullying is very different from being confronted by the school yard bully and needs to be addressed very differently.

If you have been the victim of Cyber Bullying contact Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services on Freecall 1800 000 055 for assitance and advice.

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