CYBERBULLYING
Sending mean text messages, emails or rumors as well as embarrassing pictures, videos, websites using electronic technology
People are victims of Cyberbullying regardless their age, social status and popularity. Social media, text messages, chat, and websites are the main communication tools.
A common misconception is that bullies have low self-esteem.
On the contrary, a study from UCLA found that most bullies have “a high self-esteem”. The same study showed that bullies are often popular in school, while their victims are not.
Most of the time jealousy and revenge motivates some individuals to do cyberbullying while some of them would bully in order to boost their egos and upgrade their self confidence, some others will commit cyber harassment only to entertain themselves or to look for recognition and power.
Statistics
• Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
• Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online.
• 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online.
• 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.
• Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying causes psychological, emotional and physical stress. Research has shown that youth who are bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
Symptoms may include
Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness
Changes in sleep and eating patterns
Loss of interest in activities
Alcohol and drug use
Health complaints
Lower self-esteem
School absences
Poor grades
“Not all forms of abuse leave bruises.” Danielle Steel
Cyberbullying is a great danger to the society as it causes harm to people and results negatively for both, the bully and the victim.
Profile of a Bully
Have family issues.
Think badly of others.
Have friends who bully others.
Aggressive or easily frustrated.
View violence in a positive way.
Have difficulty following rules.
Who is at Risk
Bullying can happen anywhere and can target anyone.
Depending on the society, some groups such as
homosexual, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) youth, as well as people with disabilities, and socially isolated youth, are prone to cyberbullying.
Depressed, anxious, low self esteem persons are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying along with young people who are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool”.
How to Deal With Cyberbullying
Report the abuse to the relevant social media site.
Take screen shots of the abuse so you have a record even if the posts are removed.
Involve the police.
Block the people that are cyberbullying.
Prevent Cyberbullying
• Monitor your online kid’s activities.
• Often visit their online actions.
• Establish rules about technology use.
• Learn about the sites they visit.
• Try out the devices they use.
• Follow your kids on social media.
• Encourage and enable communication with your kids.
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