The widespread use of electronic communication has given rise to a new form of bullying, taking place in cyberspace. In its traditional sense, bullying can be defined as an antagonistic, deliberate and repeated behavior of a group or an individual against a victim who cannot defend him or herself. Cyber bullying is also a deliberate and repeated behavior but it takes place online, using electronic forms of contact such as cell phones, emails, and social networking applications or sites. The availability of the Internet and the increasing popularity of social networks, along with the seeming anonymity of interactions make cyber bullying the dominant bullying form among modern youths today. The most popular forms of cyber bullying are seen through text messages, pictures and videos, emails, and instant messages.
Although cyber bullying does not take place face to face it has consequences that are just as serious as those of traditional bullying. The isolation of the victim, suicides, or even serious psychological disorders are all potential and commonly reported consequences of cyber bullying. While digital aggressions may seem milder than traditional bullying, the repercussions for the victims can be just as intense if not even worse due to the fact that cyber bullying is much harder to escape and less visible to bystanders, thus making it more difficult to intervene. Cyber bullying is a widespread growing problem that is impacting kids and teenagers daily nationwide. If parents and educators want to put a stop to it, they need to understand what causes cyber bullying to occur. According to Gordon, there are 8 main reasons why kids cyber bully one another, the first being that the child is motivated by revenge.
Kids who were victi. .ts, comments, messages, or images posted online forever. Cyber bullying also goes very unnoticed by parents or school educators because it is not happening directly in front of them. They do not have the same level of technological knowledge as teens do. This makes keeping up with teens online nearly impossible.
Sadness and depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and trouble focusing and keeping up with school are all side effects or consequences that stem from cyber bullying. With these emotions resulting from being targeted through cyber bullying, it is important that preventative measures continue to be implemented in and out of the classroom. Due to the fact that cyber bullying is much harder to escape and is less visible to bystanders, its repercussions for the victim can be just as intense if not even worse than traditional bullying. (Word count: 2582)
