When it comes to broadcasting negative information, the cyber world has become the new bathroom wall. Young people are using its "social" technologies - instant messaging services, camera phones, chat rooms, e-mail, Web logs, social networking sites and cell phone text messaging - to exchange gossip, hash out their daily conflicts and mount bullying campaigns. Schools around the country are seeing skyrocketing numbers of cyber bullying incidents.

By definition, cyber bullying is the use of technology to degrade or humiliate another person or group. Cyber bullying may occur directly, such as when a hateful message is sent to a target, or indirectly, as when a message, website, or photograph is sent to others and results in later bullying behavior toward the target.

The Internet and wireless networks offer an ideal climate for bullying. Faceless, often nameless electronic transmissions give many kids a false sense of confidence and power, leading them to think they can be different people online than they are in real life. Many believe they can "say anything" online. This sort of behavior can have grave consequences.