Cyberbullying

By Kayla

Nearly 43% of kids have been cyber-bullied. 1 in 4 have faced it more than once.

The Internet has changed the world. People all over the world can use the Internet for work, school, entertainment, and keeping in touch with people; however, there is a downside. Cyber-bullying occurs when bullies utilize the Internet to harass their victims online. The bullies can hide behind anonymous usernames, sending hate and leaving negative comments on people’s social media pages. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are three prime examples of a cyberbully’s playground. Over 80% of teens use cell phones, making online bullying much easier. 81% of young people think that bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person.

Cyberbullying is a rising issue, one that haunts young people around the world. More than 16,000 kids are absent from school because of online bullying. That’s 16,000 kids whose educations suffer, whose self-esteem decreases, whose motivation to go out goes out the window. Only 1 in 10 cyberbullying victims will actually inform a parent or trusted adult about their abuse. 30 % of young people turn to self-harm as a result of online bullying. 20% have suicidal thoughts. But, what do schools do about cyberbullying? Well, 38% of young kids believe that their schools, colleges, and universities don’t take cyberbullying seriously.

Cyberbullying is an issue that needs to be attacked head on. These kids who suffer through this torment day in and day out, need some kind of hope. Bullying only hurts other people, and in the worst cases, suicides are committed. Parents need to monitor what their kids do online, how they treat people, and if their child is participating, those kids need to be punished. Parents need to step up, to help out with the fight against cyberbullying. But, kids can help, too. We need to join together, hand in hand, and march in a group to fight this battle for all of the people lost, and the ones fighting it now. If you’re a victim of cyberbullying, find someone to talk to. Tell someone what’s happening, and try to keep your chin up.