It is very easy to say that bullying and cyberbullying are two different things, but the reality is that these words have many definitions. Unfortunately, some people still believe that cyberbullying does not exist. This is unfortunate because this form of harassment is often more widespread than people think. The following are a few key factors to consider when looking at cyberbullying and how you can stop it in your family. Cyberbullying is bullying by another means as defined by the school district.
Cyberbullying is an act of bullying physical, verbal, or electronic. It is a type of behavior that takes place in person, on social media, or through other technologies. When a student is involved, it can easily meet the definition of stalking or cyberstalking, which may include jail time if the charges are filed. Cyberbullying typically occurs during the course of several incidents where a child is subjected to incessant cyberbullying via text messages, instant messaging, emails, instant messenger, and/or use of a cell phone. This type of unwanted communication can affect a child’s self-esteem, ability to socialize, and emotional growth.
Many kids become the victims of cyberbullying because of other students in school, coaches, teachers, other adults in their lives, and peer groups. Online technology enables bullies to easily taunt, harass, and target kids who they see as weak or vulnerable. Cyberbullies do not want their targets to know that they are being targeted because the act of public shame can only fuel more aggression. Many times, the cyberbully will taunt, embarrass and even threaten the target without the knowledge or consent of the victim.
Bullying has been defined as “the repeated willful exaggeration of someone’s level of personal integrity or trust.” Because there are so many variations of cyberbullying, the term can apply to many situations. However, the most common characteristics of cyberbullying include incessant humiliation and malicious teasing through verbal and written comments, physical confrontations, isolation, and bullying at school. Many experts believe that constant cyberbullying and taunting can create an environment that encourages further aggression, which can eventually become abusive and even criminal.
In the past, cyberbullying was usually limited to school-based violence committed against specific victims. However, this has certainly changed over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of the Internet, there are now cyberbullies online who target their victims anywhere in the world. Cyberbullies are becoming increasingly bold in the types of behavior that they engage in and the different ways that they communicate with their victims. Cyberbullying has even been linked to cases of suicides and school shootings, making it vitally important for parents to educate themselves about the dangers of cyberbullying.
There are several ways to stop cyberbullying, including reporting the activity to both school and community authorities. If you have concerns about your child’s use of your cellular phone or Internet usage, you should advise the school or community office immediately. In addition, if you have reason to believe that a child is engaged in inappropriate online conduct, you should advise the authorities as well in order to help determine whether cyberbullying may have any correlation to that type of behavior.
The negative behaviors of cyberbullies can be damaging to victims, their friends, and those who witness the behavior. Teens who are cyberbullied often feel anxious, uncomfortable, and unworthy. They often withdraw from social activities and develop an avoidance type of attitude. One common example of the negative effects of cyberbullying is depression. Cyberbullies may also use social networking sites to repeatedly target their victims.
Unfortunately, cyberbullying has become acceptable behavior in many schools, and it is up to parents and educators to protect their teens from bullies. However, because many bullies are likely to be repeat offenders, there is no sure way of always knowing who is on the receiving end of a cyberbullying encounter. If you are concerned that your child is being bullied, you should take the time to talk to them and explain the situation. There is also help available for those who have been targeted by bullies, so take advantage of it and reach out to local resources that are available.