Hannah Stefanowicz

Computer I
Mr. Sweeney
15 April 2015
Cyberbullying
Sources say that over half (55 percent) of all teens who use social media
have witnessed outright bullying via that medium (Cyber Bullying). Cyberbullying
is a type of bullying that takes place using electronic technology rather than in
person. Unlike regular bullying, it is possible to be done anonymously, distributed to
large groups quickly, hard to delete, hard to track, and can also happen 24/7 (What
is Cyberbullying?). Nasty posts or threatening emails are part of being cyber
bullied as well as inappropriate pictures or videos being sent to ones peers. There
are some certain signs that people show when they are being bullied and there are
ways to prevent it from happening.
Many people have heard, seen or been a victim to cyberbullying at some
point in life. It is not just a thing that kids do because adults do it as well. For adults,
instead of the act being called cyberbullying, it is called cyber-harassment or cyberstalking (What is Cyberbullying, Exactly). With the new technology emerging
today, it is becoming easier and easier for kids, and adults, to bully each other
through a screen, whether it is text, email, or social- networking site. It really can
happen to anyone. An anonymous bully may send mass texts or emails or even post
about it on a Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. After the victim hears about it or sees
it, it is possible that the victim could fire back and become a bully himself/herself.
This is where a terrible pattern begins and the bullying continues. Sometimes, kids
may not even know that they are a target. Pictures or videos of them may be taken
in secret and posted without them even knowing. A 2014 study shows that 11
percent of teens have reported embarrassing photographs or videos have been
taken without their consent (Cyber Bullying).
There are some symptoms that a person may show if he/she is a victim of
cyberbullying. It may start with a change in eating and sleeping habits and a loss of

friends (Warning Signs). These are some small hints that he/she is a victim of
cyberbullying. The symptoms get worse and one may start to skip school, resulting
in poor grades, have a lower self-esteem or even use drugs and alcohol (What is
Cyberbullying). In more severe cases, the victim may develop disorders such as
depression and anxiety. He/She may lose interest in daily activities or become sad
or lonely (Effects of Bullying). Parents, teachers and co-workers should always be
watching to make sure these symptoms are not present. If so, be a good friend and
ask the victim if they would like to talk about it and ask to help out as much as
possible. There have been a number of egregious incidents where a victim may do
the unspeakable and take their own life. It is becoming more and more common
amongst teens that have a past of being bullied through technology. If one is
becoming distant or just acting different from normal these are signs to look out for.
Consequences for these bullies range from a slap on the wrist all the way to
jail time. If the persecutor is caught early in the act and halted before things go too
far, a simple warning may be given, whether it be from a parent, teacher or friend.
Some bullies may have their electronic devices taken away for an extended period
of time to try and teach them a lesson. If that doesnt help and the episodes start to
escalate to a more serious level, suspension/expulsion from work or school may be
issued to the tyrant by a higher power. Once the victim starts to develop mental
disorders or suicidal thoughts and actions, legal actions may be taken against the
oppressor. Community service or time being served in an institution are both
possibilities. Many of these bullies get off the hook after court, which is very unfair
to the victim and their families.
It is important to keep an eye out for cyber bullying. Victims may not be
willing to speak out, but may still be asking for help by the way that they act. This is
a very serious subject that can not be taken lightly. If the bullies do not see that
they are hurting others, they will continue to do it for as long as they can. Patterns
like this may repeat from early childhood in school up until they are adults in the
workplace. Do not just sit back and watch. Cyber bullying is becoming an epidemic
that needs to be eradicated.

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<http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs/index.html>

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