Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-bullying is the use of the Internet and related technologies to harm other people, in a deliberate, repeated, and hostile manner.  As cyber-bullying is becoming more common in society, many groups are trying there best to stop it.  The term cyber-bullying was first coined and defined by Bill Belsey, as "the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others."  Cyber-bullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, "hate speech", ganging up on victims, and posting false statements about someone to humiliate them. 

Cyber-bullying statistics: http://drclaudiocerullo.com/2011/01/05/cyber-bullying-statistics/

The Harford County Examiner reported concerning statistics on cyber bullying:

• Around half of teens have been the victims of cyber bullying
• Only 1 in 10 teens tells a parent if they have been a cyber bully victim
• Fewer than 1 in 5 cyber bullying incidents are reported to law enforcement
• 1 in 10 adolescents or teens have had embarrassing or damaging pictures taken of themselves without their permission, often using cell phone cameras
• About 1 in 5 teens have posted or sent sexually suggestive or nude pictures of themselves to others
• Girls are somewhat more likely than boys to be involved in cyber bullying

These statistics alot with many others are very alarming and scary to see.  Statistics show that cyber bullying is a serious problem among adolescents and teens. By being more aware of cyber bullying, teens and adults can help to fight it.  Many cyber bullies think that bullying others online is funny and harmless. Cyber bullies may not realize the consequences for themselves of cyber-bullying. The things teens post online now may reflect badly on them later when they apply for college or a job.  It is always important to be extremely careful of what you put online.  Once you hit the send button whatever you type or post is on the internet, FOREVER.



There are many ways to help stop cyber-bullying. http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/take_action/take_a_stand_against_cyberbullying.html is a great website that gives individuals information on how to prevent and take a stand against cyber-bullying. We need to teach children that silence, when others are being hurt, is not acceptable. If they don’t allow the cyberbullies to use them to embarrass or torment others, cyber-bullying will quickly stop. It’s a large task, but in the end, our children will be safer online and offline. We will have helped create a generation of good cybercitizens, controlling the technology instead of being controlled by it.