Cyberbullying is a growing problem that seems to move parallel to the technology that is becoming available on a daily basis. Cyberbullying is when a method of technology is used to bully someone. There are numerous ways of cyberbullying that include cell/smart phones, computers, and tablets and using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as text, chat and websites. What will usually happen is victims are sent inappropriate or mean text messages or emails; lies or rumors are spread via social networking sites or websites, or something that is completely embarrassing to the victim like pictures or videos (Stopbullying.gov, 2012).
The big thing with cyberbullying is that it is something that kids cannot get away from. I use to be to get away from a bully you are safe in your own home, but not anymore. Cyberbullying is something that is 24 hours a day, every day and difficult to avoid once it starts. Messages, photos and videos can be posted anonymously and spread quickly so other people can view what has been posted. The next problem is getting the inappropriate material taken down to minimize exposure. Unfortunately, other people can pile on and/or pass it along to others to view (Stopbullying.gov, 2012).
Stopbullying.gov (2012) provided a list of what victims are more likely to do if they are cyberbullied:
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Use alcohol and drugs
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Avoid going to school
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Lower academic achievement
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Experience bullying face to face
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Increased incidence of health problems
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Have a lower self-esteem
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance of 2011 found in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, over 16% of students were cyberbullied. Females are bullied by this method more than males, 22.1% and 10.8% respectively, and the occurrence happened much more amongst white females ( CDC, 2012).
References
Center of Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). (2012). Youth risk behavior surveillance – United States,
2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 61(4), 1-162. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss6104.pdf
Stopbullying.gov. (2012). What is cyberbullying. Retrieved from http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html
BJ,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic considering all of the recent news about cyberbullying via Facebook and Twitter. Recently, at a youth retreat a speaker spoke of how Instagram also plays a large role in youth today. She also explained how Instagram was the latest internet craze with youth and how cyberbullying can result there as well. There are few studies about the use of Instagram and how it impacts youth because of how new it is, but it would be interesting to see if they produce the same or different results as with the cyberbulling on Facebook and Twitter.
Hi BJ,
ReplyDeleteThe fact that victims of cyberbullying can't get away from it since technology is 24/7 makes this crime even more cruel. With all of the pressure put on our youth regarding looks, what they have (or don't have), what they wear, who their friends are, whether they have a boyfriend or girlfriend....for many of the youth cyber- bullying can be the "last straw". Technology is moving so fast, I'm concerned that the cyberbullying will get worse before it gets better, but I'm glad that it has been taken more seriously and more attention has been given to this growing problem. I hope increasing awareness of the problem will bring increased resources and stiff punishment for those that engage in cyberbullying. Thanks for posting information on such a relevant and important topic.
B.J.
ReplyDeleteThe information you shared in this post just kicked the bullying problem up a notch. Really, how can a child get away from cyberbullying? It just seems to put the bully in such a position of power! As adults, we need to set the example in our own use of cyberspace. How often do we say something in an email that we would never say in person? Our children need to be taught from a very young age to respect the power of internet - what it can offer, as well as how dangerous and hurtful it can be. Your postings have helped me realize the enormity of this problem. Thanks so much. Kay
BJ,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you chose to bring attention to the magnitude of cyberbullying and the possible resultant behaviors in those being bullied. I have paid close attention to the information you have provided in your blog. My 17-year-old niece has openly discussed some of the bullying she has experienced in school, and when I relayed this information to my sister I was able to give her some tips that she and I could use to help guide her daughter through this hurtful process. My niece has not yet encountered cyberbullying but with all of the social media outlets available it seems like it is very difficult to avoid. Again, I want to say how helpful all of the up-to-date information you have provided has been. I hope there will not be a great need for me to continue to use it. Like most, my heart truly goes out to this younger generation.
Hi BJ,
ReplyDeleteBullying is often seen as an unfortunate, but natural part of adolescence. However, cyberbullying can affect the social, emotional, and physical health of a child. For these reasons, it is important that parents and guardians take steps to help their child deal with and respond to cyberbullying. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provided some tips for parents to help protect their children from bullying such as telling children not to respond to rude e-mails, messages, and comments; saving the evidence, such as e-mail and text messages, and take screenshots of comments and images, and if harassment is via e-mail, social networking sites, IM, and chat rooms, instruct children to “block” bullies or delete their current account and open a new one.
Thanks for the post it is really eyes opening one.