Cyberbullying has wider reach

MANHATTAN, Kan., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Cyberspace bullies can strike from anywhere and can steal a child's pride instead of lunch money, according to researchers at Kansas State University.

"Cyberbullying consists of a person who uses the anonymity of the Internet to ridicule, make fun of or put down another person on an Internet conversation site, such as a chat room, a bulletin board, Myspace or Facebook," said Tony Jurich, a Kansas State University professor of family studies and human services.

"The victim may be an active participant in the conversation site or may be quite unaware that he or she is being victimized. Cyberbullying can be done by friends, acquaintances or total strangers, although it is typically someone who at least knows the victim."

While the act of bullying is nothing new, the cyberbully has certain advantages over the traditional bully, Jurich said.

"At the heart of any bully is actually a coward who uses their advantage to humiliate, demean or embarrass. Instead of working on their own issues, bullies pick on others to feel better about themselves, but a cyberbully gets more coverage and a wider exposure."