Overview
Cyberbullying uses messaging apps, social media and games to repeatedly harass someone: group-chat exclusion or forced invitation, abusive comments, rumours, sharing images, impersonation. It is constant, spreads fast and leaves records; a meta-analysis (Kowalski et al., 2014) links victimisation to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In Korea the School Violence Prevention Act (Art. 2) covers online bullying (report: 117), and defamation via networks (Network Act Art. 70) or insult (Criminal Act Art. 311) may apply. Save evidence, block and report, and tell a trusted adult. Related: Olweus’s bullying theory, bystander effect.
This article is general information based on Korean statutes and case law, not legal advice. For a specific case, consult a lawyer or the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132). Check law.go.kr for current law.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do first?
- Save evidence, don’t retaliate, block and report.
References
- 「학교폭력예방 및 대책에 관한 법률」 제2조. 국가법령정보센터.
- 「정보통신망 이용촉진 및 정보보호 등에 관한 법률」 제70조, 「형법」 제311조. 국가법령정보센터.
- Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073–1137.
- Olweus, D. (2012). Cyberbullying: An overrated phenomenon? European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 9(5), 520–538.