Cyberbullying
The ins and outs of this deathly phenomenon
What it Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology.
Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
Examples
- Mean text messages or emails
- Rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites
- Embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles
The Stats
- The 2013-2014 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics) indicates that 7% of students in grades 6–12 experienced cyberbullying.
- The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey finds that 15% of high school students (grades 9-12) were electronically bullied in the past year.
Prevention
- Students should be taught the proper use of technology and the value of other students and people.
- Students should become aware of the consequences of cyberbullying so that they are discouraged to treat others in this way.
- Parents should monitor social media so as to prevent their children from bullying anyone electronically.
Reporting
You can and should report cyberbullying to one or more of the following:
- Online Service Providers (if the content goes against their policies)
- Law Enforcement (if there are threats or other illegal actions)
- Schools (Anti-bullying policies obligate them to act)
Resources
Sources
All information is derived from the website www.stopbullying.gov, a US government website aimed at spreading awareness of bullying in the hopes of prevention.