Before you hit that send button... Know the facts - think twice!

If YOU send a text message, Voice mail, or email to anyone or get someone to send it on your behalf and that message is nasty, abusive or mean and makes the person receiving it upset or worried

If YOU send malicious lies about others in text messages or emails or any other method of communication (blogs)

THAT CAN AMOUNT TO BREAKING THE LAW.

While there is not a specific criminal offence called cyberbullying, activities can be criminal offences under a range of different laws, including:

. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997

. The Malicious Communications Act 1988

. Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003

. Public Order Act 1986

. The Defamation Acts 1952 and 1996

Cyber Bullying is using any form of technology to abuse or threaten another person.

Examples include:

·                 Sending harassing text messages

·  Making malicious/abusive phone calls

·  Taking a picture/video of people on mobiles and passing these around for amusement

·  Writing threatening E-mails

·  Being abusive in chat rooms

·  Writing nasty things about people in websites

·  Sending nasty instant messages

·  Breaking into someone’s e-mail account to send nasty messages to others

·  Standing by and watching others do any of the above