Question

100 Points
design a message directed towards a cyber bully

Answer 1

Many of us have dealt with bullying at some point in our lives. For kids today, however, bullying is more pervasive than ever, thanks to rapidly advancing technologies and like mobile devices and social media platforms.

Bullying used to take the form of harsh words on the playgrounds, shoves in the hallways, or notes passed in study hall. Today, it can be done from and to anywhere — often anonymously.

In the US, nearly 34 percent of middle and high school students report being victims of cyberbullying. In the UK, over half of teens and adolescents say they’ve been cyberbullied. What’s worse, more than 11 percent of US teens admit to having cyberbullied another person.

What is Cyberbullying?

The term “cyberbullying” includes a range of aggressive behaviors committed via modern technology. The goal of cyberbullying is to harass, demean, intimidate, or taunt another person with the intent to hurt or embarrass them. The most common forms of cyberbullying are offensive name-calling or the spread of false or harmful rumors.

Cyberbullying vs. Face-To-Face Bullying

In contrast with in-person threats, cyberbullying makes use of internet technologies, mobile devices, video games, and social media. Much our children’s lives are conducted across virtual communication systems like Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Texts, chats, email, and online games are also rife with opportunities to cyberbully.

Whereas a playground bully must face their victim (and risk witnesses), it’s much easier to engage in cyberbullying behind an anonymous screen. This distance often emboldens bullies to act or say things they would never do in person.

The biggest difference between cyberbullying and face-to-face bullying is that the internet is available 24/7 and “connected” technology is highly pervasive. Consequently, cyberbullying means that hurtful comments, images, or video can:

Reach a vast audience in a matter of seconds

Be repeatedly shared over time

Never be truly erased from the internet

Be spread anonymously