preview

Essay on Cyberbullying: A Growing Problem in the US

Best Essays

Cyberbullying is “the deliberate and repeated harm inflicted through the use of cell phones/smartphones, computers/tablets, and other electronic devices (including Wi-Fi gaming devices)” (Lohmann). It began to emerge when technology became more accessible, and it continues to become a bigger problem as technology expands. Cyberbullies are intentionally hurting their victims, and know that they are doing so. Cyberbullying has harmed all of its victims either mentally, physically, or both. The Centers for Disease Control has even gone as far as labeling it an ‘emerging public-health problem’ (Billitteri). This isn’t hard to argue with considering how many deaths it has caused. In schools, many people are affected by this whether they are the …show more content…

These statistics show just how massive the scope of cyberbullying is. The means of doing it has a major affect on the amount of people who take part in it. It is also impossible to take anything back once it is said online. “Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent” (“What Is Cyberbullying”). Once it is out there, it is fairly easy for people other than the intended recipient to see it. Also, once people see it they often joke around about what is being said, and this causes messages to spread even further. “‘Social networking sites have made cruelty and meannesses public. Previously these acts were invisible, now they are at display to all,’ -Ilja Terebin” (Bilton). Bullying on social networking sites takes harassment to a whole other level. People you have never met are effecting your life more now than ever before. Strangers who bully people online often know very little about the person they are harassing, and make harsh and degrading assumptions. “‘With these public apps, not only are kids humiliated in front of strangers, but they go to school and are humiliated there, too,’ -Joh Shadidi” (Bilton). People can easily become apart of bullying once it occurs online. People support one another, or egg each other on, creating an even bigger conflict. Some may

Get Access