Cyberbullying is a worse problem among teenagers than drug abuse.

Explain
the causes and effects of cyberbullying in Australia; and provide some
solutions to this issue.

Introduction:

‘Bullying’ is generally described as being a violent or forceful, purposeful act or conduct that is
done by a person or a group frequently and over time against a victimwho cannot easily protect
or defend himself. (Olweus, 1993). Different types – verbal, interpersonal (e.g., social rejection),
physical and indirect (e.g., spreading rumor) can be stated as ‘traditional’ practices of bullying.
(Smith, Madsen, & Moody, 1999).

In recent years, bullying cases through electronic means, predominantly through cell phones and
any other kind of interactive technology, has gained momentum and collectively regarded as
“cyber bullying”. Cyberbullying has gotten massive attention from media in past since these
cases have lead teen suicides and deaths. Recent studies on bullying demonstrate that
cyberbullying reached the high position among kids, teenagers and young adults. The increase in
the bullying statistics is because of the fair share of social media since it has enhanced our ability
to be connected and interacted. Australia is considered as one of the most socially connected and
engaged countries in the world where people own at least 3 devices.

The popularity and acceptance of social networking sites in Australia such as Facebook,
MySpace, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. has promoted the incidence of teen depression, low self-
esteem, anxieties, health problems and even suicides and deaths. (Smith et al., 2006; Campbell,
2005; Li, 2005).Statistics expose that the 87% of Australian parents say that their children have
gone through some kind of harassment on social networking sites.Receiving nasty and harassing
personal comments, impersonating, public humiliation, hacking accounts are common nowadays
in online environment. Cyberbullying is now the second most common form of bullying in
Australia and negatively effecting the comfort, family and social life of many young people.

Causes of Cyberbullying:
Some bullies perceive it as a normal and socially acceptable behavior. Cyberbullying can be
more appealing for bullies because it can be done without revealing the identity. It permits
bullies to harass victim without facing him and provides the impression that he will not get
caught. Another reason of cyberbullying is neglecting the consequences. The National Council
on Crime Prevention revealed that 81% teenagers in a survey said they believe people cyberbully
others because it is funny and fascinating.

Some bullies may not aware that their conduct can be regarded as bullying particularly when
they did not have the point of view of the victim’s side. (Kowalski and Limber 2007). Since they
are not aware about the reaction of victim, cyberbullies may not understand what harm and
damage they are doing with the victim.

It is said that socially active person bullies to upgrades the confidence, maintain their popularity
and give them a power to dominate others life whereas socially inactive person may bully to fit
in and to prove himself powerful. In general, bullies’ actions typically stem from their own
issues. Bullies tend to have a parents who are less involved with them. They are intolerant of
differences and feel superior in every matter. They are depressed and anxious and get pleasure in
seeing someone in distress.

Victims of cyberbullying labelled as emotional, disturbed, have concentration and behavioral

issues. They face difficulties in getting along with others. Low self-confidence, Fearfulness and
submissiveness make them an easy target for the bullies to harass them. They have safety and
trust issues and in extreme cases, victims think that they will get killed. Early identification is
very crucial for minimization and prevent the harm, including the security and comfort of the
victim.

References:

Kowalski, R.M. and Limber, S.P. (2007). Electronic bullying among middle school students.
Retrieved from http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30020284/stacey-research-into-cyberbullying-
2009-1.pdf
Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Retrieved from
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.469.2077&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Smith, P., Mahdavi, J., Carvalho, M. and Tippett, N. (2006). An investigation into cyberbullying.
Retrieved from http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30020284/stacey-research-into-cyberbullying-
2009-1.pdf

Smith, P.K., Madsen, K., & Moody, J. (1999). What causes the age decline in reports of being
bullied in school? Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?
doi=10.1.1.469.2077&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Effects of Cyberbullying:

Like any other type of bullying, cyberbullying has the same effects. It psychologically impacts
the mind of bullied and develop a sense of revenge and negativity to the affected victim at times.
It changed the way how they view themselves and the world and eventually leads them to
depression and trust issues. Cyber victim may feel isolated in the initial stage of cyberbullying.
He keeps himself away from people and keep everything secretive. His decreased appetite,
health issues, irritation, changes in behavior can show the signs of cyberbullying. 90% of victims
claimed that they have not told anyone because of the fears of embarrassment and awkwardness;
not being believed; and/ or confiscation of their devices by their parents. (Campbell 2007;
Rickwood et al. 2005; Smith et al. 2008). In extreme cases, cyberbullying also leads the victim to
attempt suicide.

In January 2012, Australian school girl ShenizErken, attempted suicide by walking in front of a
train after being bullied continuously on Facebook. She was humiliated and her profile was
hacked with inappropriate messages and also sent to others to face the embarrassment. She did
not disclose this to her family leaving them devastated. Even after this tragic incident, her bullies
continued leaving malicious and brutal comments on her appearance on different tribute websites
including Youtube.

Cyberbullying is a great danger to the society. In 2015, Australia was on the 3rd rank in the
number of searches made on cyber bullying via Google. One out of eight Australians is disturbed
by cyberbullying. These effects can create continuous social and economic costs for the
community for both the victim and the bully.

Conclusion:

The cyberworld where the Australian teens are living has changed due to the extensive use of
social media. Cyberbullying in Australia is a serious issue that can have terrible impact on the
well being of a teenager and it needs to get resolved. There are strategies which should be
implemented in order to stop cyberbullying in Australia. Parents should involve child’s school
and Children’s eSafety Commissioner in order to maintain child’s well-being and eradicate
cyberbullying. Cyberbullying will be stopped under ten seconds if the bystander gets involved
and takes necessary action. If the act of bullying is causing serious damage and distress to the
victim, he should immediately contact police. Police will investigate and take necessary action
under state or commonwealth law. Police in Australia is committed to ensure safety and
wellbeing and working to minimize the damages and harm especially when the children are
involved.

The victims of cyberbullying should use the internet safety and privacy setting and use the
blocking and reporting option to prevent him from harassment and bullying. Schools in Australia
should actively organize Cyberbullying Prevention Programs that help students to understand the
concept of cyberbullying and its causes and effects. A proper training and counseling session can
help identify, stop and eliminate cyberbullying. Furthermore, there is a need for more detailed
laws for eliminating and preventing cyberbullying so that victim can stand up and report the
inappropriate act of bully. Such options can diminish the cases of cyberbullying and help in the
development of an improved society.

References:

Campbell, M. (2005), Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise? Retrieved from
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30020284/stacey-research-into-cyberbullying-2009-1.pdf