Cyberbullying is a relatively recent type of bullying that occurs through an electronic device. Unlike traditional bullying allows through an electronic device. Unlike traditional bullying, the nature of cyberbullying allows perpetrators to be anonymous, hide behind screens, and can be conducted 24/7.

California’s legislature has passed multiple laws to address the widespread issue of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Cyberbullying falls into California Penal Code 653.2 and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties include up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if a misdemeanor. If a felony, the defendant can face up to two, three, or five years in prison and a $1,000 fine. Defendants can face further charges for violation. Additionally, they may be forced to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code 290 or face domestic violence charges under California Penal Code 273.5.

What does this mean for you?

• You have the right to learn and participate at MBKU without being harassed, bullied, or threatened online, including on social media, in group chats, email, or other digital spaces connected to the University.
• Cyber harassment, doxxing, and cyberstalking are violations of the MBKU’s University Student Code of Conduct when they threaten safety, target protected aspects of your identity, or interfere with your ability to focus on classes, clinics, work or campus life.
• MBKU can address online behavior under the Code even if it happens off campus or outside of class, when it has a real impact on you or the University community.

If this is happening to you (or a friend), you can:

• Save screenshots, messages, and other evidence.
• Get support from counseling services, CARE team, IT
• Make a report to Student Services or Campus Safety and when applicable to Title IX if the behavior is sex based.
• Call 911 or Campus Safety right away if you are in immediate danger.

You never have to figure this out alone – MBKU offices can walk you through you options, whether or not you decide to file a formal complaint.

Tips to Prevent Cyberstalking:

1. Lock down personal information.

• Limit what you share publicly (home address, phone number, personal email, daily routine, locations, class schedule, or frequent hangouts).
• Use the most restrictive privacy settings on social media so only people you approve can see your posts and profile details.
• Ask to remove or minimize personal details in campus directories, lab or clinic pages, and student organization sites when possible.

2. Strengthen your accounts.

• Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) on your MBKU email and personal accounts; this helps prevent someone from breaking in and impersonating you.
• Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and consider a password manager.
• Log out on shared or public computers and avoid saving passwords in browsers on lab or library machines.

3. Be thoughtful about posts and connections. 

• Be cautious about accepting friend/follow requests from people you do not know, especially if their profile seems new, minimal, or odd.
• Avoid posting live updates that reveal where you are in real time (for example, “here at [exact location] until 10 p.m.”); post after you’ve left instead.
• Think before sharing screenshots or content that includes other people’s names, locations, or contact info.

4. Use platform tools early. 

• Block accounts that make you uncomfortable; you do not owe anyone continued access to you online.
• Report harassing or threatening behavior through the platform’s reporting tools so content can be reviewed or removed.
• If you suspect someone is trying to access your accounts, change your passwords and review recent login activity where available.