Cyberbullying
*sticks and stones may break my bones but words really hurt*
cy·ber·bul·ly·ing
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person, often done anonymously.
noun or verb
— cy·ber·bul·ly \-ˌbu̇-lē, -ˌbə-\ noun or verb
First Known Use of CYBERBULLYING:
2000
— cy·ber·bul·ly \-ˌbu̇-lē, -ˌbə-\ noun or verb
Megan Mier
Kenneth Weishuhn Jr.
Jessica Logan
The Startling Truths
Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. 1 in 4 has had it happen more than once.
70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online.
Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying.
- 68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem.
- 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.
- 90% of teens who have seen social-media bullying say they have ignored it.
- 84% have seen others and tell cyber bullies to stop.
- 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 and perpetrators of cyberbullying.
- About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out 10 say it has happened more than once.
- About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.
- Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
Stop the Hurt
As a teen, it may be uncomfortable to talk about bullying. But the truth is that it happens.
The first step to stopping it is to SPEAK UP! If you don't agree with a comment someone makes, tell someone. It is better to let it be known, than to let it go unnoticed.
REPORT IT! If you see an ugly comment on a website, report it the provider. Also remember to save the comments for evidence. Save any text messages and screenshot online stuff.
If you know of someone that may harm themselves GET HELP! You might just save a life.
Lastly, TAKE A STAND. Let others know the terrible effects their words can have on others. Take the initiative in your school or community.
Sources
stopbullying.gov
MeganMiersFoundation.org
Webster Dictionary
Puresight.org
Graphic by Chris Kurisak