Types of Cyberbullying
Anything that you would consider regular bullying is counted as cyberbullying, such as:
- Spreading rumors
- Harassing them (calling them offensive names or sending offensive messages)
- Impersonating them
- Posting photos that could be embarrassing or altering images to make them embarrassing
As previously stated, this can come in both severe and mild forms. Calling someone a mean name on Facebook once obviously wouldn't be as severe as consistently tormenting them, but it can still hurt them.
- Spreading rumors
- Harassing them (calling them offensive names or sending offensive messages)
- Impersonating them
- Posting photos that could be embarrassing or altering images to make them embarrassing
As previously stated, this can come in both severe and mild forms. Calling someone a mean name on Facebook once obviously wouldn't be as severe as consistently tormenting them, but it can still hurt them.
How Widespread is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying today is extremely widespread, and can occur in both severe and mild forms. A poll conducted in 2006 by the national organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids showed that 1 in 3 teens and 1 in 6 preteens was cyberbullied.
How Dangerous is Cyberbullying?
Because cyberbullying happens behind a screen, it's especially easy for people to become cyberbullies. This also means that people don't take it as seriously as traditional bullying.
However, there have been many examples of just how bad cyberbullying can get. In 2012, 15 year old Amanda Todd committed suicide after years of being bullied both online and in school, and had attempted suicide many times before. Her case was widely reported and heightened the awareness of cyberbullying, showing that it too could be emotionally harmful.
However, there have been many examples of just how bad cyberbullying can get. In 2012, 15 year old Amanda Todd committed suicide after years of being bullied both online and in school, and had attempted suicide many times before. Her case was widely reported and heightened the awareness of cyberbullying, showing that it too could be emotionally harmful.
Prevention
Already, there have been many national programs to help stop cyberbullying in support of those who are being cyberbullied. It's important to be careful on the internet and not give out too much information.
If you are being cyberbullied, the first and foremost thing you can and should do is block the bully and tell an adult. Never delete any of the evidence, as if the issue escalates even more, it can be used. If things get really serious, don't be afraid to call law enforcement- cyberbullying, as shown already, can be really serious.
Another thing to remember if you are being cyberbullied is that you're not alone. There are many sites on the internet with advice on how to deal with cyberbullying and people available to help. In addition to this, people who are close to you should be there to help you through troubles you have.
If you are being cyberbullied, the first and foremost thing you can and should do is block the bully and tell an adult. Never delete any of the evidence, as if the issue escalates even more, it can be used. If things get really serious, don't be afraid to call law enforcement- cyberbullying, as shown already, can be really serious.
Another thing to remember if you are being cyberbullied is that you're not alone. There are many sites on the internet with advice on how to deal with cyberbullying and people available to help. In addition to this, people who are close to you should be there to help you through troubles you have.