What is Cyberbullying?

According to the Oxford Dictionary cyberbullying is- “The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.” Cyberbullying is one of the most forthcoming and imminent threat to children and teenagers in today’s world, and the stats show that it is growing at a very high rate.

A study done by IndiaSpends shows that 1 in 10 Indian Adolescents face Cyberbullying and half of them don’t report. Another report by Mr. Sam Cook shows that Indian children are most cyberbullied in the world. Brazil and the USA following next in the list. Another study put forward by the dosomething organization shows that Girls are more likely than boys to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying. 15% of teen girls have been the target of at least four different kinds of abusive online behaviors, compared with 6% of boys. These stats clarify that cyberbullying is a very significant problem in today’s world.

 

Reasons For Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is done for many different reasons, at times people cave under peer pressure to do this ill practice, at times they just lack empathy, sometimes people are frustrated and they take out this frustration on others. The most common reason for cyberbullying according to me is the difference of opinion. At times people tend to abuse and bully those on social media who speak from a different viewpoint than what these people do. It is a common observation that people who post stuff which is against the common viewpoint of the majority of people, tend to get hate and abuse. 

 

Where are people cyberbullied?

 

According to a global study, 42% of people get cyberbullied through Instagram, 37% on Facebook, 31% on Snapchat, 12% on WhatsApp, 10% on YouTube, and 9% on Twitter. 

 

Source- broadbandsearch.com

 

Problems in fighting against Cyber Bullying.

Cyberbullying is a prominent problem and fighting against it isn’t easy. One of the biggest hardships that come in the way of fighting it off is that most of the teenagers and children do not have the confidence to tell what is happening with them to their families or friends and the bully goes unreported which then gives him more confidence to do the same again with someone else. According to a report by dosomething organization, Only 1 in 10 teen victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse. Another problem is that many people who know about others being cyberbullied do not come out and help them as they are scared about the consequences. A survey showed that out of 60% of young people who have witnessed online bullying, most do not intervene. 

 

 

Impact of Cyberbullying

 

1. (64%) of the students who experienced cyberbullying stated that it affected their ability to learn and feel safe at school. [cyberbullying.org]
2. Students who experience cyberbullying are more likely to social, mental, and behavioral problems in school.
3. In a report, it was found out that 12% of the students who were cyberbullied themselves, admitted that they had cyberbullied others at some point in their lifetime. Children and Teenagers seek revenge and in this process, at times they destroy someone else’s life too.

 

What can be done?

1. First of all, you should communicate with an elder or with someone who you trust.
2. Report the bully on the social media app on which he’s bullying you.
3. Keep mails, messages, photos, or anything which will serve as evidence of cyberbullying.
4. Do not do the same with that person, as two wrongs do not make a right.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

 

I feel that cyberbullies will continue to bully until and unless we stand against them. Actions need to be taken against those who bully others just for fun and give people a scar that they live with throughout their lives. Cyberbullying should be stopped, and to stop it parents should also contribute, they should try to communicate with their children if they see any signs that their child is depressed or unhappy about anything. In return, children should feel free to contact their parents in times of crisis.

 

Actions can only be taken if they are reported, do not be afraid to report any wrong done to you. If you are committed to this practice then stop it right now, as you are destroying someone’s life.

 

“Problem with cyberbullying is everything. If you have something mean to say, look in the mirror & say it to yourself. Maybe you’ll think twice.” – Anonymous 

 

 

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