CYBERBULLYING

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Ugly! Nerd! Slut! Freak! Whore! These are some common terms used by a bully to a victim. Cyberbullying is done through social media, messages, etc. That takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It includes sending, posting, sharing negative comments, and mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

Because of the massive influence of social media, it creates a negative effect on the users. We are already familiar with cyberbullying, right? And this kind of bullying is happening up to these days.

According to Cyberbullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation:

• Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying.

• More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.

• Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet.

• Well over half of the young people do not tell their parents when cyberbullying occurs.

Despite the potential damage of cyber bullying, it is alarmingly common among adolescents and teens. The bullies tend to bully someone because of fame and power and because they have the confidence to do that kind of thing or they are just bored so, they make fun of people they meet or message someone in social media. And there is someone that if they do cyberbully they feel better or some may just jealous and unhappy. The victims of cyberbullying who are the most risk, in this case, are those who have low self-esteem and being introvert. In this matter, they don’t want to engage themselves in the environment, they prefer being alone than be with groups.

Most teenagers when they got bullied they do not inform their parents because they are embarrassed, they tend to kept it themselves that could lead to depression and much worst suicide. Hence, teens must be aware that cyberbullying is very wrong and can have serious consequences. Be cautious about the things you might be posted. Don’t automatically trust someone in social media – verify because there will be impostor profiles that could give a huge problem related to online harassment. Don’t be afraid to open up like in these situations to your mom because that’s a very important thing.

And it is very important to not believe everything others say because you know to yourself what is the truth and what is a lie. The best prevention for a cyberbully is for parents to communicate and educate digital responsibility because only the parent’s care can ease the children’s pain. Showing empathy to the victim is a must, that’s what they needed the most when they experience cyberbullying but then it only depends on ourselves and on how we handle things. We must realize that even if we are the victim or the bully, there is always a consequence in everything we do

Reference: http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html