By Jacob Key '20
Cyberbullying is when someone harasses, embarrasses, or threatens someone else online. Someone does not have to be physically abused to be a victim of bullying. Cyberbullying can be as painful as any other kind of bullying. Because of the type of bullying, the signs are not as visible as physical bullying. Just like physical bullying, there is punishment for those doing the bullying, and discipline can result in serving time.
Since there is no physical abuse under cyberbullying, the signs that one is being bullied are not as visible as being physically bullied. According to an article in Kids Health, reviewed by Larissa Hirsch, warning signs include being emotionally upset during or after being online or using the phone; being very secretive or protective of one's digital life; withdrawal from family members, friends, and activities; avoiding school or group gatherings; slipping grades; and "acting out" in anger at home and changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite. These are some of the small signs but, at the same time, severe warning signs.
When cyberbullying goes too far, it can lead to severe events and turn into self-harm and worse. This can happen when the victim has not sought help, or others haven't noticed the calling out for help signs. The signs are not a list to follow; they are ways to see if one is trying to seek help. Many who suffer from cyberbullying or other types of bullying feel ashamed or embarrassed that they are being bullied, and they show signs instead of seeking help at first.
There are many ways to deal with bullying. It is essential for parents to notice the signs and seek help for their children. A reporter from CBS News, Naomi Choy Smith, explains how parents should “take a screenshot or save a text message, block or unfriend the bully and report the bully to the website” if their child is being harassed, intimidated, or bullied. These are only some ways that a parent or trusted adult can attempt to help stop the bullying. Choy notes that once something is uploaded online, it is never truly gone; once deleted, it is always going to be there. Choy cites Samantha Milan, a victim of cyberbullying, stating that "’It feels horrible because everyone can see it,’ Samantha said. ‘And everything that goes online never goes away. Even if you destroy the computer, it's still there.' This is something that should be kept in mind, and this is because it's valid!" Samantha Milan also states that , “Cyber-bullying can involve nasty text messages or offensive pictures posted on social media, and there's a whole range of technology available to fight it.”
There is punishment for those involved in online bullying. Due to the fact their online web is incredibly significant, it’s tough to catch and identify the actual bullies. For those who are caught, Cyber Bullying can result in in-school suspension and being kicked off of teams. Cyber Bullying in happening more as technology increases to grow. Because of this, some actions that bullies take can now be seen as crimes, and in worse circumstances, might have to serve time for their actions.
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