Topic: Cyberbullying

Title: What is meant by cyberbullying, and steps to take immediately if you are a victim

Tip: Cyberbullying can be defined as:  An instance when someone uses the internet, social media, or other digital platforms to deliberately harm, threaten, or embarrass another person. This can include sending mean messages, spreading rumors, sharing private information without permission, or posting hurtful comments or images. It’s like bullying, but it happens online…

Are you aware that there is a law that addresses Cyberbullying in Belize?

Part II, Section 15 of the Cyber Crime Act of 2020 provides the legal protection against Cyber Bullying.

Law Excerpt: “15. Using a computer system to coerce, harass, intimidate, humiliate, etc. a person.”

Steps to take immediately if you are a victim of Cyberbullying:

• Don’t respond to and don’t forward cyberbullying messages.
• Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers and social media sites.
• Block the person who is cyberbullying.
• Report cyberbullying to Online Service Providers: Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service providers.
• Report cyberbullying to the Police Information Technology and Cyber Unit (PITCU), the authority charged with the responsibility to address Cybercrime.

Video: Cyberbullying