Online Harassment Definition

Online harassment is defined as any type of unwelcome or threatening behavior based on protected characteristics and directed at an individual or group of people through the Internet or other electronic means. This can include insults, threats, cyberbullying, stalking, sexual abuse, and hate speech. Online harassment can take many forms, from direct messaging to posting comments on social media. It can have serious mental and emotional effects on the victim, as well as negative physical effects such as increased stress and anxiety.