Bullying has taken on a new frontier, the Internet. The following article provides important information for parents, educators and adults.
Bullying; it’s a term that conjures up all sorts of negative images and bad memories. Back in the day, bullying was something most were aware of. It normally happened to or from school, out in the playground or in the school cafeteria. The unlucky victim was constantly on the lookout for the thug who wanted to steal money, take lunches, or make life just plain miserable for the victim. But once the victim made it to the classroom or made it home, the bully could no longer cause harm, at least for the time being. Today the tactics, the methods and the means of bullying are changing, and changing rapidly. Bullying has taken on a new frontier-the Internet.
Cyberbullying is the use of electronic information and communication technologies(which include email, websites, text messaging, web logs or blogs, three-way calling, cell phones, photographs, videos, or any other electronic means) to repeatedly willfully and intentionally embarrass, intimidate, humiliate, threaten, or harass another.
Studies suggest that cyberbullying is on the rise, and is increasing rapidly. Most cyberbullying incidents occur while logged on at home, other incidents happen in chat rooms or via instant messaging. Many cyberbullying victims personally know the bully, while others do not.
There are numerous issues concerning online bullying. As previously mentioned, in cases of traditional bullying, the victim had some respite, be it at home or in the classroom. At least there was a safety zone, a safe haven, somewhere. It is another matter for the target of cyberbullying. The target of electronic bullying can be targeted 24 hours a day, every day of the year, instantaneously. There is no safety zone for the cyberbully victim. In face-to-face bullying, there are usually one or two onlookers or witnesses, but with cyberbullying, there may be hundreds or thousands of onlookers, worldwide. Studies also suggest the affects of online bullying may be longer lasting than traditional bullying and may result in poor self-esteem, anger, depression, absenteeism, bad grades and even suicide.
A key component in electronic bullying is the anonymity factor; online bullies are virtually anonymous. Since the online bully is anonymous, he or she may not face any consequences or punishment for his or her actions. The lack of immediate feedback, seeing someones face or expression, may make it easier to say or do hurtful things online one may not normally do in “real life”.
Many victims do not tell anyone that they have been bullied online and there are several theories why children keep this to themselves. Some may fear that by telling a parent or adult, the parent may react by restricting access to that particular device, or by taking away the computer, cell phone or Internet accessibility entirely, hoping that the bullying may stop. Some children believe by involving an adult, it will make a bad situation even worse resulting in some form of online or offline retaliation. Others may think they just have to deal with it; it’s just the way it is.
Some adults are unaware of cyberbullying. While others may think just because they have filtering or parental controls installed on their computer or device, some assume those “safeguards” will alleviate any and all Internet issues, including online bullying. Some adults may think that if their child is being bullied, the child will come to them and let them know. Studies suggest that is simply not the case.
Children are not the only targets of electronic bullying. Educators, administrators and other adults are also being victimized. Bullying, whether it occurs offline or on, needs to be addressed.
For information regarding the different methods of cyberbullying, read CyberBullying Methods or visit:
Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
