Cyber-bullying, sexting, cyber-stalking, cyber-harrassment

The definitions vary, but odds are you know someone quietly suffering from a cyber-attack.

Although they’re each different, cyber-bullying, sexting, cyber-stalking and cyber-harrassment have two things in common:

1. Each involves using information and communication technologies (e.g., computer, cell phone, etc.) to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group; and
2. The intent is to purposely harm others.

The National Crime Prevention Council reports cyber-bullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens. However, cyber-attacks are also perpetrated on adults by adults. Common tactics include threatening a victim's earnings, employment, reputation, or safety.

Because few kids tell an adult they’re being cyber-bullied, many resort to extremes to escape their victimizers. They may run away from home, begin cheating on school tests, skipping school, or using alcohol or marijuana.

Be on the look-out for behavioral changes and take steps now to keep your kids, family, and friends cyber-safe and stop cyber-bullying. Visit the National Crime Prevention Center and help “take a bite out” of cyber-crimes.