First of all, what is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is any form of bullying

carried out through the use of electronic media devices such as smartphones,
computers, laptops, tablets or gaming consoles. Some examples of cyberbullying
include mean text messages, rumours posted on social media, and embarrassing
pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Every age group is vulnerable to
cyberbullying, but teenagers and young adults are common victims. Cyberbullying is
a growing problem in schools and has become an issue because the internet is fairly
anonymous, which is appealing to bullies because their intimidation is difficult to
trace.

Things that make cyberbullying different from the traditional form of bullying
that we might be more familiar with are, first, It can happen any time day or night. As
we know, online activity means you can be in contact at any time with any people. If
someone wants to do cyber bullying, they can just open their smartphone and do it
right away, no need for any other plans or actions.

Second, hidden identity or anonymity. It makes cyberbullying look very scary as the
victim might not even know the bully or ‘troll’ then the victim cannot immediately
report before the perpetrator is traced or investigated further.

Third, we could immediately take a screenshot, this could be a good thing as victims
can keep evidence to show school staff, parents or police but also means that even
once something is taken down, screenshots can remain.

Cyberbullying mentally hurts the bullied and leads to a helpless feeling, demotivation
and mental distress. It causes the victim to feel even more lonely and afraid then they
ever were before, as now not only is the bullying just possibly one person, but it can
be everyone making fun of them, and they truly have no way of stopping it, as when
something gets widespread enough on the internet, it never goes away. And can haunt
a person for a very long time, with no consequence ever coming to the person/people
that started the harsh words or info leaks. Many people who suffered from
cyberbullying ended up committing suicide due to the overwhelming pressure and
mental distress. It overall causes nothing but problems, for all those affected, no
matter who they are, or where they come from. Let’s stop cyberbullying. Social
media should be used to spreading love, not hate.