Cyberbullying
By: John Smith
What is Cyberbullying?
"Cyberbullying" is when a person is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, or embarrassed by another person via the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.
Why is Cyberbullying Different from "Normal" Bullying ?
- Kids who are cyberbullied are often bullied physically and/or verbally by a person in real-life.
- Since people now have mobile devices, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, night or day.
- Pictures or messages that a cyberbully posts can be posted anonymously and rumors made by the post can spread exponentially quicker over the internet. Once somthing is posted, people all over the world can see.
- Also, when a post is made, it is impossible to delete. The photo or message that the bully posted will never be gone.
Effects of Cyberbullying
People who are Cyberbullied are more likely to:
- Use alcohol and drugs
- Skip School
- Receive Poor Grades
- Have Low Self-Esteem
- Have Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
Preventing Cyberbullying
Here are some tips to prevent cyberbullying:
- Never give passwords to anyone (even if they are your best friend)
- Do not make or send any inappropriate images
- Have a parent look over social media
- Tell when you are being harassed or bullied online
- Do not give your email, phone number or any other personal information to people you do not trust
Cyberbullying Stats
- 25 percent of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying via their cell phone or on the internet.
- Of the young people who reported cyber bullying incidents against them, 33 percent of them reported that their bullies issued online threats.
- 55 percent of all teens who use social media have witnessed outright bullying via that medium.
- More than half of the kids who are cyber bullied do not go to their parents.
- More than 80 percent of teens regularly use cell phones, making them the most popular form of technology and therefore a common medium for cyber bullying.
- Only one out of every six parents of adolescents and teens are even aware of the scope and intensity involved with cyber bullying.
- An astounding 95 percent of teens who witnessed bullying on social media report that others, like them, have ignored the behavior.