With many of both adults' and youngsters' interactions taking place online instead of simply face-to-face, cyberbullying - though not entirely replacing face-to-face harassment - gives the bullies a sense of anonymity, a separation that gives a feeling of security.
When a "ring-leader" misuses leadership to influence less-bold individuals to "join the fun" of group bullying. The result if that the target is bombarded by messages - often anonymous texts on his phone or posts on social sites. Consequently, the target often adopts a helpless feeling of "the world is against me."
Tips on handling cyberbullying
1. Don't Respond: Confronting a cyberbully can worsen the circumstances. 2. Collect evidence: Save related e-mails, messages and postings as proof should you need to get the law or school involved.
3. Determine the source: Try to find out the bully's identity and what information he or she knows about you.
4. Report incidences: Laws vary by state, so contact local law enforcement first.
5. Protect your information: Parents should make sure a child's social networking profile doesn't reveal any contact information.
Source: Champions Against Bullying
