The age with bullies stealing money on the playground or tripping in the halls seems out-dated since cyber-bullying has caught special attention.
Cyber- bullying, according to Wikipedia.com is the use of technology, such as social networks, email, text messages or other internet site to harass or repeatedly inflict pain on an individual.
With people spending their time glued to computer screens and texting every minute, it’s no surprise bullying has bridged the gap and crossed over into the world of technology. As technology advances, so does the opportunities for bullies to harass their victim without even leaving their bedroom.
In recent statistics from the i-Safe Foundation, over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying.
Cyber- bullying is categorized into two forms, direct attacks and cyber- bullying by proxy. Direct attacks, like its name are attacks sent directing to the victim. This includes harsh emails, comments or text messages, impersonation, as well as sending embarrassing or private photos.
The Cyberbullying Research Center reports that over 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for cyber bullying.
Impersonation is seen when the bully has gained access or hacked into the victim’s social network or emails. They can then steal private information or slander the individual over the web. Websites are created to broaden the humiliation of the victim and gain followers. This leads me to the next form, called cyber-bullying by proxy. In severe cases of cyber- bullying, many which result in suicide are due to bullies rallying up a gang of followers. Bullying by proxy, in other words, means getting someone else to do your dirty work. Bullies may have friends or even parents, help attack the victim, increasing their feeling of helplessness.
What makes the bully so powerful? Anonymity. Today’s technology not only gives bullies opportunities but also protects them through private settings. Comments can now be displayed with no form of identification of the author, allowing the bullies to hide behind computer screens. This complicates things because victims are unable to identify their attacks and inform someone.
Harford County Examiner found that only 1 in 10 teens tells a parent if they have been a cyber bully victim.
With that ratio, it’s no wonder cyber- bullying is growing daily with the help of one simple message.
So next time, you go to comment on someone’s Facebook or text them, think and realize the impact of your words. Are you a cyber- bully? Are you hiding behind a screen or remaining anonymous? Instead, be the answer to the problem and educate others. It’s not too late to change the statistics.
If you or someone you know is being bullied or cyber- bullied, please visit www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org
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