The advances in technology have resulted in a more recent form of bullying, known as cyberbullying.
What is it?
Cyberbullying is a term used to describe the use of technology to victimize a child, preteen, or teen by another minor. This is done through the use of communication technology such as cell phones, chat rooms, instant messaging, and more recently, social networking sites. Cyberbullying includes targeting, embarrassing, threatening, and harassing.
This form of abuse is a fast growing trend and can occur 24/7.
Statistics on cyberbullying from: http://www.unc.edu/courses/2010spring/law/357c/001/Cyberbully/what-is-it.html
A 2006 study revealed that 11% of youths surveyed on a popular teen website admitted to bullying others online, while 29% of those that responded said that they had been victims of some form of cyberbullying, and 47% had been witnesses to cyberbullying. 50% of the sample admitted to being disrespected by others online, while roughly 21% reported being threatened by others.
A similar study reported in 2010 found that girls are much more likely to experience cyberbullying, and that roughly 20% of the sample admitted to having cyberbullied others or having been a victim of cyberbullying in their lifetime.
Most disturbingly, a recent report reveals that cyberbullying victims surveyed at a middle school in a large U.S. school district are almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide than those who did not report being victims of cyberbullying. Although the report makes clear that cyberbullying in and of itself is generally not the sole cause of teenage suicide, it certainly serves to aggravate the emotional disturbances experienced by youths already facing numerous difficulties and stressors.
A similar study reported in 2010 found that girls are much more likely to experience cyberbullying, and that roughly 20% of the sample admitted to having cyberbullied others or having been a victim of cyberbullying in their lifetime.
Most disturbingly, a recent report reveals that cyberbullying victims surveyed at a middle school in a large U.S. school district are almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide than those who did not report being victims of cyberbullying. Although the report makes clear that cyberbullying in and of itself is generally not the sole cause of teenage suicide, it certainly serves to aggravate the emotional disturbances experienced by youths already facing numerous difficulties and stressors.
For information on what to do if you are a victim of cyberbullying, click the link below:
It is also important for parents to know what to do when their child is a victim of cyberbullying.
For more information on how parents can help, click the links below:
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