According to http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html, “Cyberbullying” is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.”

However, the new N.C. law applies to both adults and minors bullying a minor or in some cases the minor’s parent or guardian. The new law makes it unlawful among other things to build a fake website or profile, to post or encourage others to post private information about the minor, to break into an online account, and to post statements intended to harass a minor. The crime of cyber-bullying is a Class 1 misdemeanor is the person is an adult and a Class 2 misdemeanor is the person is under the age of 18 at the time of the crime.  Any misdemeanor in N.C. can carry a prison sentence of up to two years and may include fines.