Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take
place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile
phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming
those who are targeted. Examples of cyberbullying is spreading lies about or
posting embarrassing photos of someone on social media, sending hurtful
messages or threats via messaging platforms, impersonating someone and
sending mean messages to others on their behalf. Face to face bullying and
cyberbullying can often happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying
leaves a digital footprint a
record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the
abuse.
According to the Norton Cyber
Security Insights Report (2016), “48 percent of parents believe their
children are more likely to be bullied online than on a playground.”
There are several things that cause cyberbullying. Some of them are a lack of empathy, the culprit feel the victim deserve it, the culprit feel hurting other make them powerful, motivated by revenge and want to recognize by his friend or other. Besides the causes that cause cyberbullying, there are also effects obtained from the treatment of cyberbullying. Some of them are make the victim who deserve the cyberbullying depressed and want to doing suicide, cant destroy the future of the victim, can be opposed by the other friend, may be brought into the domain of law if there are regulations on cyberbullying. The effects of cyberbullying can get more serious. for examples like unexplained anxiety, chronic depression (lack of interest in anything and the child keeps to his or her room all the time), panic and fear, etc. If parents notice any such symptoms, they must take the child immediately to a counselor.
Based on the paragraph above, can be concluded that cyberbullying is a bad
behaviour and that must be shunned. Cyberbullying also have some causes and
effect that can affect the culprit and the victim, also can be brought into
the domain of law if there are regulations on cyberbullying so this is a
serious problem. The easiest path that could be taken is to stay away
from the bully and ignore the person. But since cyberbullying takes place
via the medium of the Internet and the victims are children or young adults,
it would be a difficult path to follow. Parents and schools need to step in
to prevent cyberbullying. Schools and colleges should have an active
anti-bullying policy. If such cases are found, schools should invoke
counseling via therapists. We must aware that both the the victim and the
culprit of cyberbullying need some counseling. Lastly, always guard
your family as much as possible wherever they are from
cyberbullying attacks
References :
Norton Cyber Security Insights Report (2016)
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2009). Bullying beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
