Stuart 1 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 Stuart 2 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 Stuart 3 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 Stuart 4 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 Stuart 5 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. Stuart 6 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. Stuart 7 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>.