Cyber ​​Bullying: A Growing Epidemic

Cyber ​​bullying or Internet bullying is a rapidly increasing problem in our schools. Cyberbullies are emboldened by the anonymous nature of the Internet and will often say things they wouldn’t consider in person. Girls in particular are particularly drawn to online bullying because they usually bully through rumors and revealing secrets. The Internet is perfect for this type of harassment.

Kids get involved in cyberbullying for a myriad of reasons. Bullying girls engage in cyber bullying because they want to bolster their social standing or spread rumors and reveal secrets. Some children do it simply because they are bored and can get away with it. Some do it out of anger or a need to get back at someone who has wronged or bullied them at school. Whatever the reason, cyberbullying is a dangerous activity.

Cyberbullying has a profound effect on the victim’s psyche. There is the helplessness of the situation. Many times this type of harassment is anonymous and very difficult to trace. They may fall behind in school, begin to lose interest in activities they once loved, avoid contact with others, and even try to harm themselves through suicide or other destructive behavior.

Preventing bullying online is especially difficult because the bully doesn’t always fit the profile of the traditional schoolyard bully. Due to the anonymity of online conversations, once-shy students can become much meaner and more aggressive than in person. Online they become a person who does not exist in the real world.

All schools should begin a comprehensive bullying prevention program that includes cyberbullying education. Parents and teachers must be informed about online bullying, and children must clearly understand that the activity is unacceptable. Victims need to understand that they are not alone and that help is available to them.

Whatever the reason students engage in cyberbullying, the fact remains that it must stop. It’s a growing problem that threatens to outpace regular schoolyard bullying on a regular basis. It is the responsibility of all who work with children to work together to combat the problem.