2011

Cyberbullying is using technology aggressively to cause harm to others through the use of internet web sites, chat rooms, instant messaging, text and picture messaging on phones, and blogs (Erb, 2008). The consequences of cyberbullying are increasing daily with children dropping out of school, physical and emotional illnesses, suicide, homicide and other acts of violence. According to Hinduja and Patchin (2010), approproximately 20% of students from 11-18 years old reported that they were both a cyberbully and a victim at some point in their lifetime. The social and emotional problems that arise from cyberbullying are issues that can be addressed through counseling. Thus, counselors, whose duties are to advocate on the behalf of society, have a responsibility to help society with this growing issue. This article will address the forms, means, frequency, and consequences of cyberbullying. Then it will provide information on the anonymity of the cyberbully, cyberbullying legislation, and characteristics of cyberbullies and victims. Finally, it will discuss counselors’ role in prevention and intervention methods, as well as helping the victim and the cyberbully.