Cyberbullying And Its Effect On Society

The internet has created an entirely new world of social communications particularly for youths. There are no more barriers. Family, friends, young and old may now stay in touch with just about everyone, anywhere in the world through the use of email, text messaging, web chat, and instant messaging. Although, most interactions are friendly and in good nature, there are some that are not. The use of technology as a tool to antagonize, torment and intimidate others is now a widespread problem. Sadly, this form of bullying like all others is most common among children and young adults. Research done by Cox Communications on children between 13 thru 18 year-olds, 25 percent said they were cyber-bullied whether online or by cell phone (Cox Com. 2009). Also in 2007, the National Crime Prevention Council reported cyber-bullying as a problem that affected approximately half of all American teens. Since it is popular among this group of American teens, then it is safe look at some of possible reason cyber bullies of this age group are encouraged to take part in such activity.

Cyberbullying is a relatively new threat, and it is very similar to traditional bullying. Despite the fact that cyberbullying and traditional bullying both share the common goal of harassment, cyberbullying differs from traditional bullying in that it does not stop at the schoolyard, and can continue when the victim is far away from the aggressor. It is just as devastating as common bullying, and sometimes is even more damaging. Professors Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin note in their journal, “Cyberbullying Creates Dangerous Stress and Anxiety”, that cyberbullying affects anywhere between 10-40% of students (contingent on their age group) (par. 1). J.D. Kelly A. Albin, in her article “Bullies in a Wired World”, defines cyberbullying as “…the ‘willful and repeated harm inflicted through use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices’” (157). It is caused by the fact that children feel their actions are mitigated when they use social media, as it creates the illusion of indirectness, and its effects range anywhere from mild depression to suicide.

In their e-book, Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard, Sameer Hinduja and Justin Patchin define Cyberbullying as: “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices” (36). Hinduja and Patchin are both Ph.D.’s, professors at universities, as well as primary researchers at the Cyberbullying Research Center. The research and community outreach that they are involved in could greatly reduce the number of cyberbullying cases worldwide. Cyberbullies typically operate through social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to harass, intimidate, threaten, embarrass or otherwise target an individual. Cyberbullying is awfully prevalent nowadays and it is a far bigger issue than most people realize. It is an issue that is quickly growing; as there are hundreds of thousands of people signing on to use these networks for the first time every day. According to NoBullying.com, 25% of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying via their cell phone or on the Internet, while 52% report having experienced it at least

Cyberbullying is a new form of bullying that allows individuals to threaten or intimidate others via online resources like social media and instant messaging, as well as other electronic technology like smartphones and tablets. Due to the fact that cyberbullying is a fairly new concept, due to the advances in technology it has become one of the most prevalent sources of bullying among adolescents. The ease in which children can gain access and use electronic technology, and the fact that cyberbullying most of the time can remain anonymous, has led to an increase in this form of bullying. With reports indicating that 93% of teens are active users of the Internet and 75% own a cell phone, up from 45% in 2004, there is great potential for cyberbullying among youths (Schneider, O’Donnell, Stueve, & Coulter, 2012).The increase in cyberbullying has led to an increase in suicide rates among adolescent, and has expanded bullying past the traditional school environment.

Cyberbullying, intentional aggression through means of digital technology, is slowly becoming recognized as a social problem that needs to be addressed. This new form of bullying, emerged with the information and communication revolution during the last two decades of the twentieth century. Cyberbullying occurs largely through communication devices; cyberbullies harass their victims “by sending photos, text messages, e-mail, instant messages, and video through cell phones, personal digital assistants, and computers” (Swartz 2009). Since there was an initial gap between those who grew up with the new forms of communication technology and those of the older generation who had not adapted, the threat of cyberbullying was often left unchecked

Over the span of ten years 15,000 middle and high school students have been surveyed on cyberbullying. Out of that 15,000 students 3750 of them have been victims of cyberbullying in their life, 1350 were in the last 30 days of being surveyed. Also 2400 admitted to cyberbullying another person, and 900 of them were in the last 30 days. These numbers are incredible too high considering cyberbullying victims are twice as likely to commit suicide as traditional bullied victims according to a study conducted by Sameer Hinduja co-author and founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center. Another study conducted by Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation showed that children age’s eight to 18 access to technology has increased drastically since 1999. “Today, 93% of children ages 8 to 18 have computers at home, 66% have cell phones, and 76% own another multimedia device, such as an iPod” (Holladay, Jennifer). This proves that victims of

What once was the way to communicate with family, post pictures, and stay in touch with the world has now become the world’s easiest way to attack others. According to the article Bullying Statistics, “19.6% of high school students in the US report being bullied at school and 14.8% report being bullied online” (“Bullying Statistics”). Children of all ages are now involved with so much technology and social media that it has become a problem in society. Instead of using social media and technology for good and fun, children are now using it to bully others. This problem has been defined as cyberbullying. “Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology” (“What is Cyberbullying”). Although the causes of cyberbullying are unexplainable, researchers say most children who bully do not receive the structure needed in their lives. Bullying can happen anytime, anywhere. Even when we think our children are out of harm’s way when they are at home, we may be mistaken. Cyberbullying is most likely to happen when the child is at home because it is through social media or messaging. The effects bullying has on children are so diverse. Bullying can cause good kids to start participating in things that they would not normally do. Problems such as drug and alcohol addiction can be a result of a child being bullied.

Internet usage in children and adolescents has been increasing in a steadily fashion in the past number of years and with the increase in internet usage, a new form of bullying has developed – Cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can be defined as “the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person,” (Merriam-Webster, 2012). This form of bullying can come through various mediums including but not limited to text messages, emails, videos, and social networking sites. There is an overwhelming amount of information that defines cyber bullying, identifies the demographics of bullies and victims of cyber bullying, and identifies the outcomes of cyber bullying on victims. More focus needs to be placed on who the perpetrators

Cyberbullying is any bullying that takes place with the use of electronic technology; cell phones, computers, social media, texting, and other electronic methods of communication. Cyberbullying typically happens to teenagers, when it happens to an adult is considered cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Cyberbullying is different than in person bullying because it can happen anytime, victims find it hard to escape, the bully can be anonymous, and the bully can be anywhere in the world. Children who are being cyberbullied are also most likely being bullied in person.

Throughout high school, we have all witnessed bullying. Some cases more severe than others. One well known way is through social network. This is called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs when a minor is targeted in some form-- threatened humiliated, harassed-- by another, and it is not to be confused with cyber-stalking or cyber-harassment, which involves an adult. Not limited to the internet cyberbullying can spread by cell phones or other digital devices (Surdin, 2009). Cyberbullying has caused many disturbances within our society. Parent’s may not believe their children, or their children might not even tell their parents about the bullying that has been in progress, because of embarrassment.

It’s no secret that the generation born between the mid 90’s to present day have a huge technological advantage over previous generations. These progressions have made such a great impact on the education system, allowing students to be able to learn in a more effective manner; however, technology’s faults are only increasing as time passes. Within the last decade, it has become a trending issue that children are abusing technology to harass and bully others online. Bullying within school walls, while still a pressing issue, is beginning to be swept under the rug by cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can be defined as the “willful and repeated harm inflicted [on another] through the use of computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices” (Rice 66). Some may fault parents who allow their children to have the access to such technology. However, they are not completely at fault here. Given the ways schools interact with their students and the importance of schools ' role in shaping responsible citizens, schools are well situated to fight cyberbullying (Lane 1803). Regardless of the location (at school or at home), it cannot go unnoticed that the aftermath affects the behavior and success of students while they are present at school. For that reason, school administrators must be held accountable and take action to prevent this online phenomenon. The public education system can eliminate these online bullies by creating school policies, raising awareness, training staff members,

Cyberbullying is a big issue in the world right now. With the growth of technology over the past decade, more and more people have become acquainted with it. People do everything on technology nowadays. From talking to friends, to playing games, and even doing your banking. But there are people who use technology for unjust. Not criminals even though the things they do could be counted as crimes in some people’s eyes. Bullying, antagonizing, or oppressing; all of these are unjust. These actions push and beat down their victim mentally through social media and private messages. There are many different reasons why people bully. It could because of the jealousy, a way to become popular, anonymity, getting even, others are doing it too, or they have been the victim before. Theses beatdowns of abuse can take a toll on the victim. The victim could start a eating disorder, self-harming, push away people, and worst case scenario is suicide. Even the bully will have bad effects from their actions such as guilt, regret, and trauma. The effects of cyberbullying are horrific and it should be stopped.

In today’s world young people easily access to the entire world through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Cyberbullying is defined as any form of repeated harassment to a person using electronic devices and the internet. It is a growing issue that youth are facing today. Studies have shown that one third of students have faced cyber bullying in their life. According to Cyber bullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation, over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online and repeatedly through their cellphones or the Internet. Also, more than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyber threats online. Cyberbullies often say things that they do not have the courage to say face-to-face because technology makes them feel anonymous, insulated and detached from the situation. Anonymous is very power because online bullying is mean and cruel, in the article “Cyber Bullying Statistics.” Cyberbullying happens frequently and about 15% of high school students (grades 9–12) were electronically bullied. Bullying never stop no matter what unless someone stands up.

Cyberbullying is a kind of harassment that makes use of the latest electronic technology. This kind of bullying is always on the internet, but people are now even using their phones to bully people, as well. According to the US National Crime Prevention Council, cyberbullying is when the internet, cellphone, and other devices are used to hurt others by sending messages, posting statuses, or sending images to hurt or embarrass someone.

We use technology in almost every aspect of our daily lives; it is how we stay connected in this fast-paced world. Technology provides many benefits, but it has the potential to destroy many people. With technology use on the rise, bullying has taken a new, more destructive form. Cyberbullying, as defined by the Cyberbullying Research Center, is the willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text (qtd. in Chait). Cyberbullying is a serious problem and has serious consequences.