Cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying

Introduction

Teenagers use technology in very advanced ways. The high-speed internet, tablets, smartphones and laptops provide 24/7 access to social media where they interact with strangers and peers. These platforms bring bullying from schools to a different level of exposure known as cyberbullying. Cyber bullying is any harassment that takes place on the Internet.

 It is the act of harming via information networks in a deliberate and repeated manner. It includes posting fake pictures on websites, sending cruel email messages, name calling in while chatting, and identifying victims and publishing materials to humiliate them. Online harassment is a serious problem and can leave the victim helpless and depressed.

History of cyber bullying

Bullying has an issue of great concern in schools for many years. In the 18th century, peer-on-peer harassment was common as it is today. During that time bullying was not understood and what may be seen as violent behavior today was common practice in previous years (Ang, Rebecca p25-38). Bullying is still practiced today, but it has evolved to become a serious challenge since it is perpetrated using the Internet. Traditionally it involved spreading bad rumors, teasing people, keeping some people out of a group and ganging up on others but presently it involves sending mean text messages and e-mails, posting nasty images about others on websites and using another person’s username to spread rumors.

Technology and Social media as the main contributors of cyber bullying

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Although social media and technology can be used for positive activities such as connecting children with their family and friends and helping students with school and entertainment, they are the main contributors of cyber bullying. The production of communication gadgets such as computers, tablets and smartphones has promoted cyber bullying because people can choose to write and post what they want without fear of recognition ((Ang, Rebecca p25-38). Students have access to this gadgets, and they are using them to terrorize their peers.

Social media is the true reflection of a global village because millions of people all over the world log into different social networks and share information with friends. Some people use social media as a medium to target others especially the celebrities. They say cruel things, and this means most of the celebrities face online harassment almost every day ((Ang, Rebecca p25-38).

Targets and Reasons for cyber bullying

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Cyber bullying is a monumental issue in schools, and various categories of students are more likely to become targets. Students who have different physical appearances such as being underweight or overweight and wearing glasses are more likely to face harassment. New students who have not adapted to the school guidelines and those who suffer from chronic diseases and disability also face the wrath of the bullies (Sari, Serkan, and Fatih p317-326). Low self-esteem and having few friends is a vulnerability and bullies take advantage to harass other students.

 It is very difficult to see the sense behind some students choosing to harass others for no reason. Sometimes teenagers do things for no particular reason or foolish reasons. The reasons as to why kids cyberbully others are because their friends are doing it, they want to fit in and look cool, they are seeking attention, or they are just bullies by nature. However, some students start cyberbullying because they are rebelling against their parents and they want to become more popular among their peers (Sari, Serkan, and Fatih p317-326).

Effects of cyberbullying

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Students who are victims of cyberbullying are likely to experience loneliness, anxiety, unhappiness, poor sleep and embarrassment which might lead to depression. Negative effects of bullying go unnoticed because many students do not share their harsh experience with authorities. Victims are afraid that reporting may lead to more harassment, so they chose to withdraw and with time their academic progress is affected. Students who are victims start skipping school and engaging in drugs and alcohol. The result is suicide for a majority of bullying victims due to continuous embarrassment (Hase, Craig N., et al. 607-617)

Statistics of cyber bullying

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Statistics show that 70% of students have reported seeing cyber bullying, 80% of students regularly use a phone as a medium for online bullying. Research shows that 68% of students agree that cyberbullying is a critical problem and should be addressed appropriately. Statistics also show that 81% of teenagers say that it is easier to get away with online bullying compared to bullying in person, and 90% say that although they have experienced the vice, they did not take any measures to report.84% have seen other students telling the bullies to stop harassing their peers.