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Brooke Stuart
Professor Kim Strickland
English 1010
November 28, 2011
Cyber-bullying
The creation of the internet has given us the ability to research an abundance of
information and communicate with friends and family all across the world. So much so, we
couldn’t imagine living without it. However, behind all its glory is very dark side that has been
ignored for far too long. Children are using cyberspace to harass, humiliate and bully their
peers using a new form of bullying—cyberbullying.
No longer are our children subjected to bullying at the bus stop, in the hallways, or on
the playground. For children in the 21st century, the internet is their playground of choice, and
the hours of operation are 24/7. Children are subjected to this cruel and abusive harassment in
their own homes via computers, laptops, cell phones, iPods, etc. The lasting effects from this
harassment can be life altering.
According to researchers, more than half of our children have admitted to being
cyberbullied or have been a bully themselves. Studies also indicate that this form of bullying is
on the rise and so too are the suicide rates among teens. As a nation, it is becoming all too
common for us to hear about another child who has taken their life; a life they could no longer
bear to exist in as a result of cyberbullying. I believe it is time for America to wake up! When is
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enough-enough? How many more children will senselessly die before we stand up, take action,
and say we will no longer tolerate this online hate cycle?
In order to better understand this type of behavior several questions must be
addressed. First, what is cyberbullying and why is it happening? Second, who is at risk and what
are the warning signs? Third, what are the effects of cyberbullying? Finally, what is being done
and how can we help stop or prevent it?
Cyberbullying is “harassing, threatening, or humiliating another person or group through
electronic means such as email, texting, chat rooms, or by using social networking sites;” This
abuse is usually repeated over long periods of time. Children are engrossed in a world where
communication is no longer done at home through a land line; but done electronically through
texting, instant messaging, and social networking sites. At the push of a button messages or
images are sent instantly and our kids are addicted to it.
The reasons for this type of hurtful behavior are plenty. Often, kids are motivated by
anger, revenge or frustration. Lashing out at someone seems to be a quick fix for their hurt
feelings or bruised egos. Others do it for entertainment; it starts out as a joke in hopes of
getting a laugh or a reaction from the recipient or others viewing it. Sometimes it’s completely
accidental they mistakenly send a message or photo to the wrong person. Quite a few may start
out defending themselves only to find they enjoy being the bully themselves. Others may feel
they are righting wrong by sticking up for others.
Above it all, the ability to remain anonymous is what interest students the most. For
bullies, it is a way to inflict hurt and pain practically anywhere their target would have media
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access. A study conducted showed “81% of youth agree that bullying online is easier to get
away with than bullying in person.” (Enough.org) Creating a fake persona in these sites means
the bully doesn’t have to confront his or her target in person. As a result, the bully becomes
fearless and the comments being made online are far more derogatory and hurtful.
One might ask. Who is at risk? Is anyone one person or group being targeted? Various
researches and studies have been conducted on this issue. Some of the findings have suggested
that certain people are more likely to be a target or a bully such as; “more girls are cyberbullys
than boys (59% girls and 41% boys).” (Enough.org) additionally, an analysis of FBI data by the
Southern Poverty Law Center, “found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students has been harassed at
school during the past year.” (Sameer Hinduja) However, the reality is cyberbullying has no
prejudices or geographical boundaries; it can happen to anyone at any time. With all the tools
that technology and the internet provide one doesn’t even need to have a social networking
profile to become a victim. Anyone can post anything they want online; and without a person’s
consent.
Parents and teachers are advised to pay close attention if they notice a change in their
child(s) or student(s) behavior. “The sign that a child is being cyberbullied vary, but a few things
to look for are:

Signs of emotional distress during or after using the Internet

Withdrawal from friends and activities

Avoidance of school or group gatherings

Slipping grades and "acting out" in anger at home
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
Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite” (Michelle New)
Signs a child may be a bully:

He or she may use multiple online accounts or accounts that are not theirs

Prior problems with bullying incidents

May avoid discussion or conversations regarding online or cell phone activities.

May close or click out whatever he or she is doing when a person walks by

May excessively use the computer or cell phone, especially at night

May become upset if computer access or other electronic device is denied
The negative effects of cyberbullying can be emotionally life altering and permanently
damaging. Severe cyberbullying among children poses a greater risk for anxiety, depression,
paranoia, and other stress-related disorders. This in turn causes poor performance and
attendance at school. Victims of cyberbullying may become quieter in class or fake an illness to
avoid going to school at all. As a result, their academic success can suffer. Furthermore, health
issues can arise; side effects from loss of sleep, loss of appetite and stress can cause additional
health problems within your body. It creates a downward spiral that can have lasting effects
and consequences if not addressed.
Self-esteem issues are the most common issues victims of cyberbullying face. When the
bullying continues over long periods of time it can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness,
depression, unhappiness and hopelessness. Which have in extreme cases, caused some kids to
turn to suicide. Recently suicides among teens from cyberbullying, has caught national
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attention. Victims like 14 year old Jamey Rodemeyer, 15 year old Phoebe Price, 13 year old
Megan Meier, 18 year old Tyler Clementi, and many more, were all victims of cyberbullying.
Most of the kids and teens who are cyberbullied are hesitant to tell a teacher or parent,
because they feel ashamed of the social stigma that comes with telling; or they fear that the
tormenting will get worse if the bullies are ratted out. Retaliation against the squealer often will
prompt others not affiliated with the initial bullying to join in on the attacks. Likewise, by telling
their parents, they fear their computer or cell phone privileges will be taken away. Children see
it as a punishment towards them rather than help.
Cyberbullying is proving difficult to stop for a number of reasons; some parents find it hard
to maintain the technical skills necessary to keep up with their kids’ online behavior; law
enforcement usually won’t get involved unless there is clear and substantial evidence that
someone’s personal safety is threatened or at risk; and schools have very little authority when
it comes to cyberbullying; mostly because the actual bullying is not occurring on the school
property. Public outcries for legal action are swirling about saying more needs to be done to
protect people from cyberbullying. Opposing parties claim it is nothing more than name calling
and fringes on a person’s free speech rights.
It’s time to stop pointing fingers and end the blame game. The responsibility lies within all
of us, parents, teachers, government, law enforcement, social networking sites, etc. We need
to work together and form a united front that says we will no longer tolerate this type of
hateful and unethical behavior. Government and law enforcement need to create and enforce
laws that protect us from the abuses we are seeing online; and punish those responsible for it.
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Social networking sites must take steps to decrease anonymity and more closely monitor the
malicious and hurtful web pages being created on their sites. I think that schools and
administrators must also be involved in this issue. When teaching about internet safety and
best practices, they can reinforce that the internet and social networking sites are a great tool
and resource, but should never be used to hurt or harm another person.
Most importantly, I believe the best and most effective defense against bullying begins at
home. Parental involvement is critical. It is no longer acceptable for parents to say “We just
can’t keep up with all of the new technology kids are using;” or “We were unaware of our
child’s online activities. We wouldn’t allow them to walk down a dark alley unsupervised. So
why are we allowing them to play online without supervision? As parents, it is our responsibility
to teach our children about the dangers of the internet and appropriate behaviors while online.
Since when did protecting and teaching our children not become our responsibility? Perhaps I
missed that text.
The advancements we are experiencing in technology are astounding. It has opened up a
whole new world; setting the stage for endless possibilities and opportunities. However, with
this great power comes great responsibility. The tragic suicides of teens who were cyberbullied
are a harsh reality check and a wake-up call for us all. How would you feel to be the parent that
opens up your child’s computer, only to find that they contributed to the death of another
child? We have a choice…Be aware or be the enabler to the kids’ new found addiction.
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Enough.org, Enough is. Internet Safety 101: Cyberbullying Statistics. 2009. November 2011
<http://www.internetsafety101.org/cyberbullyingstatistics.htm>.
Hazelden Foundation, Clemson University. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. 2010. November 2011
<http://www.olweus.org/public/laws_utah.page>.
I-Safe. Cyberbullying: Statistics and Tips. n.d.
<http://www.isafe.org/channels/sub.php?ch=op&sub_id=media_cyber_bullying>.
Michelle New, PhD. Kids Health: Cyberbullying. January 2009. November 2011
<http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/cyberbullying.html>.
Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D. and Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D. Cyberbully Research Center. 2011. November 2011
<http://www.cyberbullying.us/>.
unknown. Internet safety 101: Enough is enough, making the internet safer for children and families.
n.d. 2011 <http://www.internetsafety101.org/cyberbullyingstatistics.htm>.
Wiredkids, Inc. Stop Cyberbullying. n.d. 2011 <http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html>.