Question

The impact of cyberbullying against teenagers and ways to prevent it

Answer 1

The impact of cyberbullying against teenagers and ways to prevent it

Answer: Cyberbullying is making headlines. The Internet now provides people with a new way to torment others, sometimes anonymously. This malicious activity affects people of all ages, but is especially a problem among teens. Most adolescents do not report bullying incidents when they occur. Fortunately, there are ways to recognize and fight cyberbullying.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass another person. This may take place on the Internet through email, social media, or forums, or through text messages via cell phone. These messages may be intentionally mean-spirited or threatening. In some instances, the bully begins and spreads harmful rumors about the victim. This might also include distributing unflattering or sexually suggestive pictures of the victim, often with hurtful commentary. A cyberbully may even go so far as to pose as another person online to hurt them, or steal their account information and use it to send destructive messages.

The Internet gives people a tool that allows them to spread these hurtful messages, rumors, and photographs all over the world. Many of these things are cached permanently on the Internet, which means the negative effect may never end. Cyberbullying can do more than damage a person's reputation. It can cause depression and anxiety, and lead to suicide, especially in young people such as teenagers.

Cyberbullying

How to Prevent It & What to do When it Occurs

Why Do People Engage in Cyberbullying?

Those who bully others often do so because they think it is funny or that they are somehow justified in tormenting another person. Some people bully out of fear, insecurity, or anger. They may be experiencing family problems at home, such as divorce, alcoholism, or abuse. Studies suggest most bullies have low self-esteem and a negative view of themselves, so they choose to pick on others in order to feel better about themselves.

Bullies often choose easy targets, such as the child who does not "fit in". It may give them a sense of power, particularly if they feel powerless in other areas of their lives. Cyberbullying gives teens another way to pick on each other and win their peers over to their side.

How to Prevent Cyberbullying

There are precautions everyone can take to prevent cyberbullying. Teens especially should use caution when giving out their mobile phone number or email address, or other social media contact information. The victim should not reply to threatening or disturbing emails, as this will only encourage the bully. If others in a chat or online discussion become unpleasant, leave the conversation. Make use of the privacy and security settings on social networking sites, as this will prevent bullies from seeing information they can use against their victims.

How to Report Cyberbullying

When a teen or anyone is a victim of cyberbullying, there are people they can turn to for help and for recourse against the person abusing them. First, an adolescent should tell someone they trust, whether it is a friend, parent, teacher, or other person who works with youth. They should keep any emails, messages, or texts as evidence of the bullying. They can also block email addresses or specific users on certain social networks, so they do not receive any more messages from the bully. Finally, they should contact their Internet service provider, the bully's Internet service provider or host for any web pages, or the help desk of any social media networks on which the cyberbullying occurs. Harassment of others through such sites is often a violation of the terms of service of the host or provider. As a result, the bully's account or access to the site, forum, or network may be suspended.

What Parents & Teachers Can do When Cyberbullying Occurs

Speaking to young people about this issue before it happens can help prevent cyberbullying in the first place. Setting rules about electronic media may help, such as taking away or limiting access to a cell phone or computer if a teenager uses it to bully others. Teach them it is wrong to bully others and that the impact on the victim can be extremely serious.

It is also important to encourage teens to be open and communicative with parents, teachers, and others who can help look out for their best interests. If adolescents feel they can trust the adults around them, they are more likely to seek help if they are the victims of cyberbullies. Remind them to keep their passwords secret and never to share personal information with people they do not know or trust. Remind teenagers not to share anything via the Internet that they do not want made public.

If a teenager reports a cyberbullying incident, it is important to remind them that it is not their fault. Bring cyberbullying matters to the appropriate authorities - teachers, principals, Internet service providers, website hosts, etc. - to deal with them. A combination of a safe and sensible approach to Internet safety, with an attitude of no tolerance for bullying, can work hand in hand to prevent cyberbullying.

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