The Internet Lasts Forever
Think, before you ruin someones life forever
It doesn't go away
Once something is posted on the internet, there is no removing it. It stays there forever. Think about how this might affect victims of cyber bullying, reminders of their pain can resurface long after the initial event is over.
Everyone is using it, and most of the time it is anonymous
In this day and age, there is no escaping technology. You use it all the time, and it is required in most life activities. This, plus the fact that it is anonymous, makes it easier to reach and connect with people, as well as bullying them. Infact, 1 in 3 of young people have received cyber threats, a form of cyber bullying.
No one talks
Even though so many teens have experienced cyber bullying, very few share their experience. 1 in 10 teens will tell their parents that they are experiencing cyber bullying, and only 1 in 5 cases get reported to local authorities.
There is more than just words
Because of the wide availability of technology and the wide range of things that technology can do, cyber bullying goes beyond words, and includes embarrassing photos, which can be even more damaging to victims and shame them in public.
So what can you do?
- Talk to the teens you know and are close to. Getting them to admit that they are suffering can only help, and is the first step in finding a solution.
- Always keep the messages or posts as proof that this is happening, as they can help bring justice and stop this awful phenomenon from continuing.
Picture Credits
Ventrilock. World Wide Web Concept Stock Image. 09 November 2012. freedigitalphotos. Web. 13 July 2014.
Idea go. Answers Stock Image. 29 June 2010. freedigitalphotos. Web. 13 July 2014.
Digitalart. Mute Sign Stock Image. 11 August 2012. freedigitalphotos. Web. 13 July 2014.
Stuart, Miles. Ashamed Girl With A Bag On Her Head Stock Photo. 26 August 2011. freedigitalphotos. Web. 13 July 2014.