Cyberbullying and cyberthreats may be related to in-school bullying. Sometimes, the student
who is victimized at school is also being bullied online. But other times, the person who is
victimized at school becomes a cyberbully and retaliates online. Still other times, the student
who is victimized will share his or her anger or depression online as distressing material. When
school officials respond to a report of cyberbullying or a cyberthreat, it is exceptionally important
to take the time to fully investigate the situation—through an analysis of online as well as Real
World interactions. Students should be held accountable for harmful material posted online, but
punishing the student who is being victimized at school for responding to this victimization
online will only increase the potential for additional harmful acts.