April 2, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Cyberbullying is a growing problem, especially among teenagers and young adults. With the rise of social media and online platforms, bullying no longer happens just in person. It has moved to the digital world, where it can have a long-lasting and damaging impact.
But when does cyberbullying go from being hurtful behavior to something that is considered a crime? This article will explore when cyberbullying becomes a crime, the legal consequences, and what you can do if you or someone you know is a victim.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the act of using digital platforms, such as social media, text messages, or websites, to harass, threaten, or manipulate others. It can include things like sending mean messages, spreading lies, or posting embarrassing photos. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7, with the victim often feeling like there is no escape.
While cyberbullying is harmful, not all online behaviors are illegal. It’s important to understand the difference between typical online conflicts and actions that can lead to criminal charges. Understanding the nature of cyberbullying helps distinguish between harmful behavior and criminal actions.
Types of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can take many forms, and common types include:
- Harassing Messages: Sending threatening or abusive messages repeatedly.
- Outing: Sharing private information or photos without consent to shame or embarrass someone.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to damage their reputation.
- Exclusion: Purposely excluding someone from online groups or activities to hurt their feelings.
- Doxxing: Publicly revealing personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers, to harm or intimidate someone.
Each of these forms of cyberbullying can have serious consequences, but not all are necessarily crimes. Identifying the different types of cyberbullying can help determine when actions cross into criminal territory.
When Does Cyberbullying Cross the Line Into Criminal Activity?
While some cyberbullying behavior might simply be hurtful or mean-spirited, there are situations where it can become a crime. The key factors are the intent behind the actions and the impact on the victim.
Threatening or Intimidating Behavior
If someone uses digital platforms to threaten harm, blackmail, or intimidate another person, this can be considered a criminal act. For example, sending threats of violence or threats to expose embarrassing information can lead to criminal charges.
In Kentucky, this kind of behavior can be classified as harassment or terroristic threatening, which are criminal offenses. Threatening actions online are serious and can result in criminal charges.
Stalking or Repeated Harassment
When cyberbullying involves constant, unwanted attention, it may escalate into stalking or be classified as repeated harassment. In Kentucky, stalking is illegal and occurs when someone repeatedly follows, contacts, or monitors another person with the intent to cause them fear or emotional distress.
Cyberstalking is stalking that occurs online and can lead to criminal charges. Stalking behavior, whether online or offline, is considered a criminal offense and should be taken seriously.
Child Sexual Exploitation or Sexting
If cyberbullying involves sharing explicit images of minors without consent, it can lead to criminal charges under laws designed to protect children from sexual exploitation.
In Kentucky, sending or receiving explicit images of someone under 18 is illegal, even if the images are shared between minors. Sharing explicit content without consent, especially involving minors, is illegal and can result in severe consequences.
Defamation
If someone spreads false and damaging information about another person online with the intent to harm their reputation, this could lead to criminal charges for defamation or libel. In some cases, the damage to a person’s reputation can be severe enough to warrant legal action. Defamation, especially when done maliciously online, can have serious legal consequences.
Legal Consequences of Cyberbullying
The legal consequences of cyberbullying depend on the nature of the act.
Some potential legal actions include:
- Civil Lawsuits: Victims of cyberbullying may file lawsuits for defamation, emotional distress, or other claims.
- Criminal Charges: In cases of severe cyberbullying, such as threats or stalking, the bully may face criminal charges, which can result in fines, probation, or jail time.
- Restraining Orders: Victims may seek restraining orders to prevent the bully from having any further contact with them.
Understanding the legal consequences of cyberbullying helps victims know their rights and options for seeking justice.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today for Help With Your Case
Jefferson County courts face a backlog of cases, leaving individuals who have yet to be convicted indefinitely detained while they await their trial. One of the best things you can do for your case is to have a Louisville criminal defense attorney on your side who will fight for your rights to a speedy trial and help you see a nonfinancial release or a reduced bail.
The team at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers is working with the experience of a previous cop and prosecutor on our side, helping us provide comprehensive and aggressive defenses to your charges.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Louisville
214 Clay Street, Suite A
Louisville, KY 40202
United States
