Cyberbullying
Jaci Schriewer
What is it?
According to stop bullying.org, 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
Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites or fake profiles.
Facts
- about 28% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the school year.
- Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online and 1 in 4 has had in happen more than once.
- Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyberbullying.
- 68% of teens agree that cyberbullying is a serious problem.
- 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.
- Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
- Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims or cyberbullying.
- About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.
- Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
- About 75% of students admit that they have visited a website bashing another student.
Consequences
In addition to being expelled from school and sports activities, there are serious consequences for cyberbullying. According to iKeepSafe.org, everything from civil lawsuits to criminal charges being filed against the bullying can result from what seems to be harmless acts of harassment.
Preventing Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is able to be prevented by both the parents and the students. Communication between each other is key in order for prevention to take place. The adults need to talk to the students about cyberbullying so they are aware. Parents should know the sites your kids list and their online activities. They should ask where they're going, what they're doing and who they're doing it with. The parent should explain that they have the right to review their online communications if they feel there is a reason too. Encourage to be open with each other and have a trusting relationship with one another. This will in turn lead to a better outcome for everyone.
What can I do?
We need to teach children that silence, when others are being hurt, is not acceptable. Students need to think before they act. They need to think about the other person they are sending it to and how it is going to come across. Students need to be taught to not ignore the pain of others. If you are a victim or witness someone that is being bullied, you need to immediately tell a trusted adult and stay away from the bully.
Stand Up to Cyberbullying