Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that involves technology such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. It may take place through text messages, online forums or chats, or on social media sites.
A common example of cyberbullying is purposely spreading an embarrassing or compromising photo of someone via email or text message or posting it on a social network site, such as Facebook. Other examples include spreading rumors, creating fake profiles, or hacking into an account.
What makes cyberbullying different from bullying?
Kids who are bullied in cyberspace are often bullied in person as well. However, there are some key differences between bullying and cyberbullying:
- With cyberbullying, there is no way to escape the harassment. Cyberbullying can happen around the clock, at any time of day or night, and it can occur even when a child is alone.
- Hurtful messages and images can be posted anonymously, making it difficult to identify the perpetrator. In addition, information and images can be distributed very quickly to a large audience.
- Once they have been sent or posted, deleting inappropriate and/or hurtful text messages, images, and content is impossible. And even when it is possible, the damage is usually already done.
Is technology to blame for cyberbullying?
Computers, cell phones, and social media are not the source of cyberbullying. All of these means of communication can be used in a positive way, helping children to connect and communicate with their family members and friends and enjoy activities. However, when these tools are used to hurt someone, it can have the same long-lasting effects as bullying.
Research has shown that kids who experience cyberbullying are more likely to:
- Suffer from health problems
- Skip classes or drop out of school altogether
- Also experience in-person bullying
- Use and abuse alcohol and drugs
- Suffer academically
- Have low self-esteem
How common is cyberbullying?
According to the 2013-2014 School Crime Supplement, approximately 7% of students between experience cyberbullying between Grade Six and Grade Twelve. Another survey, conducted in 2013 by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey found that 15% of all high-school aged students were cyberbullied in the preceding year.
Other figures estimate that rates of cyberbullying are much higher, nearly 25-35% of all students. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, cyberbullying rates are also on the rise, with 34% of students surveyed indicating that they had experienced cyberbullying in 2014 compared to 29% in 2010.
One of the struggles of gaining an accurate estimate of the prevalence of cyberbullying in American schools is that technology is evolving so rapidly. Children are using electronic devices earlier and earlier, and methods of communication are always changing. For researchers to understand exactly how common cyberbullying is, they need to hone in on the latest technological trends and platforms.
What can parents do to prevent cyberbullying?
No parent wants their child to experience cyberbullying, but few parents consider whether their child is a bully. It’s important to establish a set of best practices for using technology with your children. They must understand that the same code of conduct that applies to in-person interactions applies online. Monitoring your child’s activities when they are online is also important.