Can you imagine life without digital devices? We use it to stay in touch with family, do business, manage our finances, plan our holidays and even to stay fit! But what about the negative implications and effects of all this technology?
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of digital communication to send harmful messages and images. This could be sending hurtful texts or instant messages, posting embarrassing photos or video on social media, spreading rumours online or threatening someone else. Contributing to this hostile environment, is the retweeting of information that could be considered as defamation.
The perceived anonymity of the internet allows bullies to perform hurtful acts in a faceless, invisible way. When they’re done, all they have to do is log off with the push of a button. There are very little consequences and they often get away with it because there is no intervention. For the victims, the opposite is true. The threat is continuous and traumatising and victims often experience feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.
“Because of the anonymity and ubiquity of technology, bullies can strike anywhere and anytime and there’s nowhere to hide.” says Peter Olyott, CEO at Indwe Risk Services. In serious cases cyberbullies can reach millions of people and destroy reputations anonymously.
Cyberbullying can take the form of:
• flaming or online fighting with vulgar language
• harassment or repeated sending of mean and insulting messages
• denigration or demeaning gossip
• impersonation or pretending to be someone else and posting damaging messages
• outing or sharing someone’s personal information or embarrassing secrets
• trickery or covertly drawing out and then exposing personal information
• exclusion or intentionally excluding someone from an inner on-line group or site
• cyberstalking or repeated frightening threats
• cyberthreats in which a person is threatening or implying violent behaviour towards someone else.
The legal implications of cyberbullying
When name-calling, insults and ridicule escalate to harassment, threats, and intimidation, a person could face criminal charges. Depending on the exact nature of the cyberbullying behaviour, a person could be charged with Crimen Injuria, harassment, assault, intimidation, identity fraud, extortion, and defamation.
Insurance and cyberbullying
As the incidents of cyberbullying are rising, a person could be facing lawsuits for which they are unprepared for both emotionally and financially. Most personal lines policies do not cover personal injury, and court costs can be astronomical, depending on the extent of harm done.
“Coverage for personal injuries like slander may be covered by most personal lines policies, but this often requires attaching a special endorsement.” Olyott concludes.
We must educate ourselves, be vigilant as parents and friends, and create a system of accountability and consequences.
Speak to Indwe today for advise on legal cover as well as insurance products for your digital devices on 0860 13 13 14.