New Zealand Forensics

Bryndwr
Christchurch
New Zealand

0800 4ENZIC

0800 436 942

forensics@nzforensics.co.nz








Cyberbullying


Cyberbullying is the act of harming or harassing via information technology networks in a repeated and deliberate manner. 

Cyberbullying is defined in legal glossaries as:

  • actions that use information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others.
  • use of communication technologies for the intention of harming another person
  • use of Internet service and mobile technologies such as web pages and discussion groups as well as instant messaging or SMS text messaging with the intention of harming another person


With the increased use of communication technology, cyberbullying has become increasingly common, especially among teenagers. Awareness has also risen, due in part to a large number of high-profile cases. Cyber Bullying also includes such other activities as Internet/Cyber Trolling, Cyber Stalking and any other activity that is intended to harm or upset the other party.


Cyber Bullies will normally try to remain anonymous as they may not like the backlash from their activities.  For this reason, if an attempt is to be made to track down these bullies, Forensic Investigations must be completed to find he individuals who have been perpetuating these offences.


If a full investigation is to be carried out, then the mobile device or computer involved must be examined.  Much information can be retrieved from these devices in an effort to identify the culprits. Mobile device usage is now becoming an ever increasing problem for parents and schools. Children will not want to disclose their activities on their mobile devices.  These activities my include Sexting and other activities including sending false messages to others with images depicting another person.  


Children may be reluctant to disclose these activities, especially if they have been accused of something they have not done. Schools and in some cases the authorities do not have the ability to get to the bottom of these issues and so a full Forensic Examination of the electronic device is necessary.


While it is always important to keep an open dialogue with your children, in some cases this does not occur and the electronic devices need to examined in such a way that where evidence is found, it in a recognisable format so that it can be used in other forums, such as tribunals, school board hearings or even court cases.


New Zealand Forensics has been carrying out these type of examination for over 4 years now, with great success. With the use of the CelleBrite UFED Touch cell phone examiner, all possible information is retrieved in a concise, readable format for the parent or child to be able to read.


If such an examination is required, confidential discussions can be undertaken to protect all parties involved.