Tougher action urged against online bullying

Suspected crimes

Zhao Zhanling, a lawyer from Beijing Yunjia Law Firm, encouraged more victims to protect their legitimate rights and launch litigation against online bullies, even though this is not easy.

He said behavior such as invading online classrooms, disturbing public order and slandering others constitutes suspected breaches of the law.

"Those using crude language to attack others, or intentionally leaking others' personal information, for example, will be sued for reputation or privacy infringement. People who disturb social order, such as interrupting online classes, will be punished by police with fines or administrative detention," Zhao said.

"If the behavior is serious enough, they may even face a prison term under the Criminal Law."

As it is difficult to collect evidence to prove online slander and insults, the revised Criminal Law stipulates that courts can require public security departments to provide aid for those experiencing online bullying to gather evidence if they initiate civil lawsuits.

Weak security

Wang Sixin, a law professor at Communication University of China, who also experienced online bullying, said, "I was furious sometimes, but after calming down, I ignored or blocked the attackers."

He said online classrooms with weak security systems were hacked by those playing tricks or showing off their technical expertise. Other classrooms were attacked after students unhappy with their teachers, classmates or schools released the online room numbers and passwords to others for fun or to vent their dissatisfaction.

"What's worse is that some people profit from helping incite online bullying," Wang said. "More attention must be paid to this, and a stronger crackdown is needed."

According to South Reviews, a news outlet based in Guangdong province, more than 70 percent of online attackers are born after 2000 — many of them males. If they successfully enter online classes to interrupt teachers, attackers sometimes ask them for money, the outlet added.

South Reviews spoke to a middle school student who said he could earn about 100 yuan ($13) from breaking into online classrooms five times a day.

China Youth Daily reported that the eldest member of a group of 100 online attackers is 22.

Although some attacks are carried out by teenagers for fun or to play tricks, Luo Xiang, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said such behavior should not be tolerated. Children's parents or guardians must be responsible for them, and education about such incidents should be strengthened, Luo added.

He said those who lure or take advantage of juveniles to slander or abuse other internet users may also be held criminally liable.