In this technology savvy society, teenagers are exposed to the digital life filled with complications. People are making use of digital means of communication such as chat rooms, blogs, etc to say hurtful words or upload photos or even videos, be it on purpose or unintentionally that will create an impact on the victim.
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.
Why do people cyber-bully?
Since there are an increasing trend of cyber-bullying cases and came across news on how it has an impact on teenagers, I believe we are curious to find out what are the reasons why people cyber-bully. Based on research, the main reasons of cyber-bullying are:
- Frustration
- Revenge
- Entertainment
- Curious to know the outcome and the victim's reaction
Means of communication as a platform for cyber-bullying
In cyberspace, because of the range of possibilities, the fluidity with which it is possible to move from one form of new media to another, and the capacity for millions of people to read and engage in various forms of communication, it has led to the rise of cyber-bullying cases as people misused the main purpose of new media.
Common technology tools that cyber-bullies use:
- Email
- Social Networking Sites(Facebook, Friendster)
- SMS
- Chat rooms
- Cell Phones
- Blogs
- Digital Photos/Videos
An online survey was conducted through survey monkey to find out people were cyber-bullied through which form of technology tools. 30 respondents had chose the means of communication which they had experienced cyber-bullying. 66.7% of the respondents experienced it through blogs.
Impact of cyber-bullying:
I believe most of us have been cyber-bullied before especially during high school and college days. It has created an impact on us emotionally. Over the past few years, news has reported many cases of cyber-bullying and the outcome can be horrifying.
Based on research, the impact of cyber-bullying is worst than traditional form of bullying. It is easier to bully someone online as it is not face-to-face with the victim. Hence, the bully can’t see the hurt on the victim’s face and believe that it won’t create much of an impact on the person. However, the actual fact is cyber-bullying can cause significant physical, emotional and psychological distress in terms of short term and long term, worst of all it will lead to suicide cases.
Short-Term Effects:
Long- Term Effects:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
I made use of the online survey to find out the impacts of cyber-bullying have on the victims. 30 teenagers aged 13-18 years old responded to it. 9 out of 30 respondents commented that they were irritated by it and it had lowered his/ her self-esteem. 2 out of the 9 respondents stated that they took several months to overcome it.
Two years back, I have experienced cyber-bullying before which has caused mental disturbance to me. Luckily, I managed to overcome it after talking to the school counselor. Someone sent me a MMS and threatening me to be careful in school with a scary picture attached to it. My first reaction upon receiving the MMS was afraid and shocked. I believed it was one of my classmates who sent me a MMS for entertainment purposes and wanted to know what my reaction would be. After receiving the MMS, I was afraid to go school and didn’t dare to tell my parents about it. Hence, I emailed the school counselor to consult her on what I could do.
If you’re a cyber-bullying victim, what should you do?
- Speak up if you're being harassed online
- Don't reply to the person
- Identify the person doing it
- Save all the messages
- Talk to the bully in person if you're comfortable with it.
Conclusion
Now, cyber-bullying cases have been increasing over the years globally. Singapore ranks second in the cyber-bullying chart. It has affected teenagers part and parcel of life and caused many serious cases such as suicide. If you are one of the victim, remember to follow the tips I have discussed earlier. Let's fight cyber-bullying and make the cyber world a safer place.
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