Cyber bullying
By: Madeline Hoover
What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is when a child, preteen, or teenager is tormented, threatened, harassed, or targeted by another individual using interactive electronic technology. It is legally defined as "use of communication technologies for the intention of harming another person" and although it is becoming more recognized, it is only illegal in 34 out of 50 states in the U.S.
Statistics of Cyber Bullying
25% of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying via their cell phone or on the internet and over half of young people have reported being cyber bullied. 33% of the young people who have reported being cyber bullied have issued that their attackers used online threats. 95% of young people have witnessed cyber bullying on social media have ignored the behavior.
The Dangers of Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying may have strong effects on individuals such as:
- health problems
- skipping school and social events
- low self-esteem
- drug and alcohol abuse
- increased suicidal idealization
- depression
How to Prevent and Report Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying can be prevented by establishing rules about using interactive technology and parents being more aware of how their children are taking advantage of on-line access. Parents and teenagers can report cyber bullying depending on the social media's terms and services and may block their attackers. Teenagers may also report their bully to their school. In case of online threats of violence, stalking, hate crimes, or sexually explicated photos or messages, the teenager or parent may report the crime(s) to law enforcement. To learn more on the prevention of cyber bullying and how to report the behavior, click on the links below: