What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to "willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices." ( Hinduja & Patchin, 2008)
Cyberbullying can take place through the use of different types of technologies. It is prevalent in many cultures and societies around the world and it is most common among teenagers. The prevalence of cyberbullying in American society has motivated students, educators, counselors, and parents to take a stand against it and find ways to prevent and fight its proliferation among schools, and communities across the nation. The detrimental effects of cyberbullying include depression, isolation, and low self-esteem.(National Crime Prevention Council, 2008)
The main goals and objectives of this website are to educate different types of audiences about cyberbullying, its effects and what are some prevention measures against it.
Reference: Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J.,W.(2008) Cyberbullying.us. Retrieved from: http://www.cyberbullying.us/
Statistics
Here are some statistics about cyberbullying posted on i-safe website:
"42% of kids have been bullied"
"21% of kids have been threatened"
"53% of kids have admitted to been cyberbullies at some point of their life"
"58% of kids who have been victims of cyberbullying have not told an adult"
( These statistics were gathered during the years 2003 to 2004 from a population of students across the United
States.)
Reference: i-safe(2008). Cyber Bullying: Statistics and Tips. Retrieved from: http://isafe.org/
How is it
done?
Cyberbullying can be done through the use of different types of technologies. These include:
a. E-mail
b. Instant Messenger
c. Online Blogs
d. Chat Rooms
e. Online Personal Webpages
Issues related to cyberbullying:
Gender issues: Males or Females can use cyberbullying as means to attack or threaten others on the basis of their gender or issues related to gender. For example, some members of the gay commnity can be attacked by using cyberbullying or a teenage girl can cyberbully another girl by saying she is "ugly" or overweight.
Cultural issues: Cyberbullying may be used to attack others on the basis of ethnicity, race and culture. For example a latino student can become victim of cyberbullying in a school by students who do not believe in the integration of other races and cultures.
Mental health issues: As mentioned before, cyberbullying can be related to mental health issues such as depression, emotional withdrawl and anxiety.(National Crime Prevention Council, 2008)
Family issues: The lack of communication and emotional withdrawl can be problematic among families. If parents do not understand or know that their child is being a victim of cyberbullying, they can interpret the behavior as anger, or rebeliousness and this can create a tension in family dynamics.
July,
2008