Criminal offenses
Cyberbullying… it can be a crime! In Canada, a teenager can be charged with a crime from the age of 12. When someone is accused of a crime, the police might want to meet with them. This person could then face a trial and face consequences, such as a criminal record, community service, etc.
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Here are different crimes related to cyberbullying:
Harassment
If the targeted person fears for their safety or that of their loved ones, the following behaviors can constitute criminal harassment:
- Repeatedly communicating with the person or one of their loved ones.
- Behaving in a threatening manner towards the person or one of their loved ones.
Harassing Communications
Communicating with someone with the intent to harass them. For it to be a crime, there must be repeated calls or numerous communications via texts, emails, or messages over the internet.
Extortion
Forcing someone to act in a certain way to obtain something, using threats, accusations, or violence.
Example: “Send me more intimate photos of you or I’ll send the ones I already have to your parents.”
Threats
Threatening to kill or injure a person or their pet.
Example: “I’m going to beat you up!”
Threatening to burn, destroy, or damage objects.
Example: “I’m going to come burn your stuff!”
Encouraging Suicide
Advising someone to take their own life or encouraging them to do so.
Example: “You should jump off the bridge!”
Publication of Intimate Images
Sharing an intimate photo or video of a person without their consent, regardless of their age. An intimate photo or video is an image showing:
- A person’s genitalia, breasts, or buttocks
- Explicit sexual activity
Juvenile Pornography
It is illegal to take a photo or make an intimate video of a child or teenager. It is also illegal to view these images, have them on your computer or phone, or send them to others.
Other contents of the Anti-troll Kit
Resources to help you
Need to talk to someone? Discover organizations that can support you. Their goal is the same: to listen to you and provide advice for your problematic situation.