Is Cyber-bullying Against the Law?

Cyber-bullying can be against the law. However, it is difficult to prosecute bullies as they are able to hide behind their email addresses and online names, so it may not always be possible to identify the bully or bullies.  Also, according to police, internet crimes can be difficult to investigate unless there are threats of murder or if other criminal offenses are committed.(28)

That said, although no formal laws have yet been established which specifically deal with cyber-bullying, some acts of cyber-bullying can fall under the Criminal Code of Canada.  As posted online by the Government of Alberta, it is a crime to:

• Communicate repeatedly with someone if the communication causes them to fear for their own safety or the safety of others.

• Write something that is designed to insult a person or likely to injure a person's reputation by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule.

• A cyber bully may also be violating the Canadian Human Rights Act, if he or she spreads hate or discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or disability.(29)