Cyber-bullying
What is Cyber-Bullying?
Cyber-bullying has always been a big problem in society that has made a major impact on young children, teens, and even young adults. According to stobullying.gov, cyberbullying is a type of bullying that takes place over digital devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else to cause embarrassment or humiliation.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Social Media
- Text Messages
- Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
Special Cases in Cyber-Bullying
Cyberbullying also has unique concerns in that it can be:
Persistent — Since digital devices offer 24-hours of communication, children exposed to cyberbullying will struggle to find relief.
Permanent — Anything shared or posted online is permanent and public. Once something is online, its there forever. A bad online reputation affects your future such as college admissions and employment.
Hard to Notice — Cyberbullying is hard to be recognized by parents and teachers because they may not see or overhear cyberbullying taking place.
Effects of Cyber-Bullying
Just like all forms of bullying, cyberbullying causes psychological, emotional, and physical stress. Reports have shown that youth being bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Symptoms may include feeling sand and/or lonely, change sleep and diet, lost of interest in activities, and more health complaints. Being a victim of bullying can also be harmful personally and in school. Victims may miss, skip, or drop out of school, receive low grades, have a low self-esteem, and use alcohol or drugs. Bullying can also lead to suicidal thoughts or violent retaliation.
Possible solutions to stop Cyber-bullying
Don’t respond or retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what wants you to do because they think it gives them power over you. If you retaliate, you become a bully and can turn into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation. If you can’t, find something else to do to take your mind off of the bully.
Save the evidence. Any mean comments, texts, or posts can be saved or capture and can be shown to someone who can help you. You should also save the evidence just in case the situation elevates.
Reach out for help. You should always find help if you are being bullied in any type of way. You should tell a trusted friend, trusted adult, or a relative. They can listen, help you process what’s going on, and help to work through it.
Use available tech tools. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Apps and services also have a report button. When you report the account or person, you are informing the service or company of the situation. If you’re getting threats you should call your local police, show your parents or guardians, and report it to school authorities.