This document discusses cyber bullying and internet addiction. It defines cyber bullying as bullying using electronic means such as posting rumors online. Cyber bullying can be especially traumatizing as the bullying reaches a wide audience and causes embarrassment. While not explicitly criminal, states have passed laws against cyber bullying and penalties can include suspensions, expulsions, or criminal charges depending on the state. The document also defines internet addiction as compulsive online behavior that interferes with life, and outlines warning signs like preoccupation and relationship issues. Effects of internet addiction include withdrawal symptoms, physical problems, and relationship and academic problems. Those at highest risk tend to have other addictions or mental health issues and use the internet to escape problems.

2.  Cyber bullying or cyber harassment is
a form of bullying or harassment using
electronic means. It has become
increasingly common, especially among
teenagers. Harmful bullying behavior
can include posting rumors, threats,
sexual remarks, a victims' personal
information, or pejorative labels (i.e.,
hate speech).

4. Why is Cyber bullying Such a
Serious Problem?
 Despite the absence of physical contact or
audible insults, cyber bullying can be even
more traumatizing than traditional forms of
bullying. Through social media and mobile
communications, bullying can now
potentially be viewed by all of a child's
friends, family, and acquaintances. As a
result, the embarrassment, shame, and
other more severe consequences of
bullying can become even more severe.

6. Is Cyber bullying a Crime?
 Until recently, no laws specifically
addressed cyber bullying. But legislators
have not been blind to the increasing
number of high-publicity incidents,
including tragic results in certain cases
(suicides and school shootings, for
instance). Laws have sprung up in some
states, but often leave enforcement in the
hands of school officials. As such, cyber
bullying may often be treated as a civil,
rather than a criminal matter.

8. What Are the Penalties for
Cyber bullying?
 The penalties for cyber bullying are as
wide-ranging as the laws discussed
above. Depending on the state and
applicable laws, sanctions could range
anywhere from civil penalties, such as
school intervention via suspensions
and/or expulsions, to jail time for
criminal misdemeanors and even
felonies.

10. Getting Legal Help with Your
Cyber bullying Case
 Cyber bullying is a rapidly evolving area
of law, and the laws will vary from state
to state. If you or someone close to you
has been charged with cyber bullying, it
may be wise to consult with an
experienced criminal defense
attorney who can help explain the
current state of the law and how it
impacts your case.

11. Internet Addiction

13.  is defined as any online-related,
compulsive behavior which interferes
with normal living and causes severe
stress on family, friends, loved ones,
and one's work environment. Internet
addiction has been
called Internet dependency and
Internet compulsivity.

15. What are the warning signs
of Internet addiction?
 Preoccupation with the Internet. (Thoughts about previous on-
line activity or anticipation of the next on-line session.)
 Use of the Internet in increasing amounts of time in order to
achieve satisfaction.
 Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop
Internet use.
 Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression, or irritability
when attempting to cut down use of the Internet.
 On-line longer than originally intended.
 Jeopardized or risked loss of significant relationships, job,
educational or career opportunities because of Internet use.
 Lies to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the
extent of involvement with the Internet.
 Use of the Internet is a way to escape from problems or to
relieve a dysphonic mood.

17. What are the effects?
 Internet addiction results in personal, family,
academic, financial, and occupational problems that
are characteristic of other addictions. Impairments of
real life relationships are disrupted as a result of
excessive use of the Internet. Individuals suffering
from Internet addiction spend more time in solitary
seclusion, spend less time with real people in their
lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward.
Arguments may result due to the volume of time
spent on-line. Those suffering from Internet
addiction may attempt to conceal the amount of time
spent on-line, which results in distrust and the
disturbance of quality in once stable relationships.

19.  Some suffering from Internet addiction may
create on-line personas or profiles where
they are able to alter their identities and
pretend to be someone other than himself
or herself. Those at highest risk for
creation of a secret life are those who
suffer from low-self esteem feelings of
inadequacy, and fear of disapproval. Such
negative self-concepts lead to clinical
problems of depression and anxiety.

21.  Many persons who attempt to quit their
Internet use experience withdrawal including:
anger, depression, relief, mood swings,
anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness,
boredom, restlessness, procrastination, and
upset stomach. Being addicted to the Internet
can also cause physical discomfort or medical
problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches,
eating irregularities, (such as skipping meals),
failure to attend to personal hygiene, and
sleep disturbance.

23. Who is most at risk for
developing Internet
addiction? National surveys revealed that over 70% of Internet
addicts also suffered from other addictions, mainly to
drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sex. Trends also show
that the majority of Internet addicts suffer from
emotional problems such as depression, mood
disorders, social disorders, and anxiety disorders
and will use the fantasy world of the Internet to
psychologically escape unpleasant feelings or
stressful situations. Internet addicts also suffer from
relationship problems in almost 75% of the cases
and use interactive online applications such as social
media, virtual communities, video games or online
gaming as a safe way of establishing new
relationships and more confidently relating to others
through the virtual world.

25. Cyber Bullying and
Internet Addiction
Ged Amir S.G. Martinez