What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones,
computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or
online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or
share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful,
false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private
information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some
cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

REASONS WHY THERE IS CYBERBULLYING

 Cyberbullies Are Motivated by Revenge

They want others to feel what they have felt and feel justified in doing so. By
cyberbullying others, they also may feel a sense of relief and vindication for what they
experienced. These kids will sometimes even go after the bully directly. Other times,
they will target someone whom they perceive to be weaker or more vulnerable than
them.
 Cyberbullies Cave Under Peer Pressure
Sometimes kids will cyberbully to fit in with a group of friends or a clique. As a result,
these kids succumb to peer pressure in order to be accepted at school, even if it means
going against their better judgment. They are more concerned with fitting in than they
are worried about the consequences of cyberbullying. Other times, groups of friends will
cyberbully because there is a false sense of security in numbers.
 Cyberbullies Are Power Hungry
Cyberbullying can be a manifestation of social status. Kids who are popular often make
fun of kids who are less popular. They use the Internet to perpetuate relational
aggression and mean girl behavior. They also will spread rumors and gossip and may
even ostracize others through cyberbullying. Meanwhile, kids who are trying to climb the
social ladder at school or gain some social power will resort to cyberbullying to get
attention. They also might cyberbully to diminish the social status of another person.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING

 Humiliation

Because cyberbullying takes place in the cyberspace, children who are being bullied are
feeling humiliated in the online world. Usually, the bully posts nasty photos, texts, or
messages that can be permanent in the digital platform. The victim may be exposed
and may encourage others to increase the humiliation.
  Violence

It may also resort to violence in which the victim may resort to hurting the cyberbully in
person. There are many instances in the United States in which victims are reported to
have attacked their bullies because of cyberbullying.

 Depression

If they cannot tolerate the bullying, they will become stressed which will, later on,
develop to depression. Depression is still the leading cause of suicide in the world.
According to Web MD, 2 out of 100 young children are suffering major depression. One
of the reasons for their depression is bullying.

 Poor Grades

The effects of cyberbullying can negatively affect the performance of the victim. They
tend to be less participative and sociable which leads to poor grades.

 Health Problems

Stress can increase the person’s risk of chronic diseases, including heart diseases,
obesity, and diabetes. If cyberbullying continues, the victim may show disinterest in life
which will lead him or her to practice a sedentary life.

 Suicidal Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, victims of bullying have suicidal thoughts. These thoughts

interfere their normal social, mental and physical functioning.

WAYS TO OVERCOME CYBERBULLYING

1. Never respond

Do not reply to anything that has been said or retaliate by doing the same thing back.
Saying something nasty back or posting something humiliating in revenge may make
matters worse or even get you into trouble.

2. Block and report

Most online platforms have this function, make sure you block and report the offending
users to the appropriate social media platform. Or talk to us about removing it!
3. Talk about it

You may not feel it at the time, but cyberbullying affects you in many different ways. You
are not alone. Talking to somebody about bullying not only helps you seek support but it
documents evidence and will take a huge weight from your shoulders.

4. Be private

We recommend that you keep your social media privacy settings high and do not
connect with anybody who you do not know offline. You wouldn’t talk to random people
on the street, so why do it online?

People may not always be who they say they are and you could be putting you and
those that you care about the most at risk. Learn about catfishing here.