Queens District RCMP has arrested a 16-year-old male youth in response to a complaint of ongoing incidents of cyberbullying and harassment. Another male reported to police that he had been harassed and threatened online and in person. The arrest took place yesterday.
The 16-year-old male, who is from Liverpool, is facing a charge of Criminal Harassment. He was released on conditions to have no contact with the victim. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on June 7.
- Cyberbullying involves the use of technology to repeatedly intimidate or harass others and can include:
- Sending mean or threatening emails or text/instant messages.
- Posting embarrassing photos of someone online.
- Creating a website to make fun of others.
- Pretending to be someone by using their name.
Tricking someone into revealing personal or embarrassing information and sending it to others.
Cyberbullying affects victims in different ways than traditional bullying. It can follow a victim everywhere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone who feels they have been a victim of cyberbullying is encouraged to contact Nova Scotia RCMP at 1-800-803-RCMP (7267) and report it. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text TIP202 + your message to 'CRIMES' (274637) or submit tips by Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award.
The investigation is ongoing.