Facts about cyber bullying

Some facts about cyber bullying are listed here: https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

At a quick glance it is evident just how prevalent cyber bullying has become.  Digital devices have created a medium to take the childhood acts of bullying to the next level.  The statistics show just how many individuals this new form of bullying has affected.  Almost half of all children have been bullied online and almost all teens have seen cyber bullying take place (broadcasted online – ex. on social media sites) but did not report it.  The acts themselves are damaging, but what makes it worse is that they are often times permanent and online for everyone else to see or only visible to the victim who is too afraid to let someone know, in either circumstance the harm cannot be undone.  Cyber bullying is often long term, as cyber bullies will continue targeting victims as long as there are no repercussions for their actions.  The long-term effects on the victim differs from individual to individual, however in most cases results in feelings of sadness, worthlessness, depression and anxiety.  The social issue arises here, as individuals begin to cause harm (indirectly, but intentionally) to others, often times compromising their health and well-being.  Victims of cyber bullying may become depressed, emotionally exhausted, miss or drop out of school, use drugs or alcohol, lose friends, cause self-harm and/or become suicidal.  Cyber bullying is a serious issue and has resulted in deaths in the past, as the statistic in the link states that bully victims are 2 to  9 times more likely to commit suicide.  It is very important to note that emotional well-being is a large aspect of an individual’s happiness and willingness to live; an individual can only take so much.  It is important that society acknowledges this issue and although difficult to stop once initiated, cyber bullying will hopefully be prevented in the first place, with increased awareness and better decision making on the part of individuals.  Cyber space does not have to be a place we fear, if we SAY NO to cyber bullying, by reporting things we see that we know are harmful or by refraining from participating in such acts, we can enjoy digital technologies and online forms of socialization.