What Are Cyberbullies and How Can You Prevent It?

Nov 26
08:24

2010

RJ Sullivan

RJ Sullivan

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Cyberbullying is an increasing large problem among our entire population but especially with young people. It can lead to suicide and other psychological problems for the victim and it needs to be addressed at every educational facility.

mediaimage

Cyber bullying is a common problem among children and teenagers. In fact,What Are Cyberbullies and How Can You Prevent It?  Articles it is estimated that nearly one in every four kids has experienced this type of abuse at some point in time. Although this problem seems like harmless, childish behavior, there can be severe repercussions if it is not stopped. Learn how to identify the signs and keep it from happening in case your child becomes a victim of cyberbullies.

In order to consider a child a victim, he or she must be harassed, threatened, or humiliated by another child by means of technology. A computer with internet access, cell phone, and other interactive devices are the main weapons which target an individual.

With most cases, the bullying takes place between both children as they go back and forth saying hurtful words or accusations between each other. It is not known why this issue takes place but a few factors may contribute to the problem. These include anger, frustration, revenge, or even jealousy. Some children try to gain popularity by making a child look bad in order to boost their ego and social status.

There are two different types of bullying that are used when a child is targeted- Direct attacks and bullying by proxy. Direct attacks are made from just one individual while the latter involves others more than one. These accomplices are used to help the first individual with the abuse. When a child is directly attacked, e-mail, instant messaging, vicious pictures, impersonation, and other lewd behavior occur. These types of methods are used when bullying by proxy takes place except the only difference is; more than one child attacks the victim.

Many different repercussions can result from this type of behavior. The victim may not only feel humiliated, embarrassed, or ashamed, but may result to life threatening action. Suicide, mental health issues, and even harming one another are possible. If the incident is prolonged, it will get worse with time.

Teaching your children to respect one another and what the consequences are can have a big impact on this situation. Parent involvement and communication is a good place to start. If the situation is occurring at school, talk with your child's principal or guidance counselor. If the issue is bad enough, the child may have a misdemeanor cyber harassment charge against them. In the case of a juvenile bully, a juvenile delinquency may result.

Cyber bullying is not just childish, normal behavior. Instead, it can cause many problems both mentally and emotionally and may have severe results such as death. Educate both you and your child on how cyberbullies proceed with their actions and try not to dismiss it as something minor.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories: