Cyberbullying

Disclaimer: This is a machine generated PDF of selected content from our products.
This functionality is provided solely for your

convenience and is in no way intended to replace original scanned PDF. Neither Cengage Learning nor its licensors make any
representations or warranties with respect to the machine generated PDF. The PDF is automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS
AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. CENGAGE LEARNING AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY
AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY,
ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. Your use of the machine generated PDF is subject to all use restrictions contained in The Cengage Learning
Subscription and License Agreement and/or the Gale Health and Wellness Terms and Conditions and by using the machine
generated PDF functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against Cengage Learning or its licensors for your use of the
machine generated PDF functionality and any output derived therefrom.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Teresa G. Odle and Kight Pruszynski
Date: 2023
From: Gale Health and Wellness Online Collection
Publisher: Gale, part of Cengage Group
Document Type: Topic overview
Length: 1,150 words
Full Text:
Cyberbullying is the use of technology such as social media, texting, or email to harass, threaten, or embarrass another person. It is
similar to bullying, but it takes place virtually through devices such as smartphones or computers. Cyberbullying takes place on social
media sites, through text messages and instant messages, and through email messages. Examples of cyberbullying include posting
rumors, sharing embarrassing photos, and threatening someone online.
Cyberbullying among teens

A Cyberbullying Research Center survey taken in 2021 reported on bullying and cyberbullying among teens. The survey revealed a
40 percent increase in cyberbullying since early 2020. About 23 percent of high-school age teens reported being bullied in the form of
a text or online post in the month prior to the survey, and 5 percent reported having cyberbullied others. Because cyberbullying is not
as easy for teachers and other adults to witness as are other forms of bullying, it is difficult to know accurately how severe the
problem has become. For example, a private text only is seen by the sender and recipient unless it is shared, and some popular apps
are designed to delete messages moments after they are sent. Males are much more likely to perpetrate physical bullying than
female and transgender teens; they are also more likely to commit cyberbullying, although the figures appear somewhat closer to
parity.
More than 95 percent of teens are active online, usually from a mobile device. As many as 23 percent of students admit to having
said or done something unkind or cruel to a peer online. Instagram is the social media site on which most teens report experiencing
harassment.
Why cyberbullying is such a concern

Cyberbullying is a relatively new form of bullying that typically takes place at school or in the community. The increased use of
electronic devices and communication has provided a large, often public platform for bullies. Physical and verbal bullying at school
only is witnessed by individuals who are present when it occurs. But instances of cyberbullying can be seen online by wide, public
audiences. Digital devices run 24 hours a day, and messages or videos can be shared easily for days, months, or years. Most online
social media posts are permanent unless someone reports them and they are removed, and if a cruel or harassing post is published
online, it can keep affecting the target.
Why people bully others

It is difficult to know what causes one individual to bully another person. However, there are factors that put a child or teen at greater
risk of behaving like a bully. One is power, which can be physical or social power. Those who commit bullying tend to be popular
among their peers. Other cyberbullies tend to be socially isolated. Some people who bully others have trouble with empathy
(understanding and identifying with the emotions and feelings of others). Teens who are easily frustrated, have trouble with rules, or
have little parental involvement at home are more at risk of bullying behaviors. In addition, a teen who spends time with friends who
bully is more likely to pick up the behavior.
Consequences of cyberbullying
When cyberbullies share untrue and damaging information about another person online, the damage can last for years, affecting the
reputation of their target. Teens are learning about emotions and gaining life experience. The effect of online embarrassment can be
severe, especially for teens who are concerned about how they appear to their peers. All forms of bullying, including cyberbullying,
can affect a teen's mental health, leading to depression or anxiety, and it can affect school attendance, homework, and participation
at school or in social activities. In rare cases, persistent cyberbullying can lead to violence or suicide by either the perpetrator or the
target.
Bullying affects everyone involved, including the person who bullies, the target, and witnesses to bullying. In 2019, research
suggested that being bullied while young can lead to lifelong problems in adulthood. Teens who were targets of bullying have a 40
percent greater risk of mental health problems as adults. Teens who bully others face consequences of bullying as well.
How to stop cyberbullying

First, individuals who witness cyberbullying or believe they are a target of cyberbullying should make sure the bullying is intentional.
Sometimes teens misunderstand electronic communication, which lacks the tone and visual cues available in direct verbal
communication. For example, what is meant as a harmless joke might be interpreted as cruel and cyberbullying. Still, if it feels cruel,
the poster is known to be a bully, or the posts continue, recipients should seek help.
Targets of cyberbullying
Those who commit cyberbullying often try to hide behind their online actions. Targets of bullying should take a screenshot or
otherwise save a message that they consider mean or cruel. The saved information can be used to prove cyberbullying or to discuss
with a trusted friend or adult whether the post qualifies as bullying. Some teens hesitate to report cyberbullying for fear they will lose
their online time or devices. But parents are encouraged to support their child's concerns and avoid taking away phones or other
online devices. If the cyberbully is a fellow student, teens should report the student to the school. Some schools have implemented
anonymous reporting to help teens feel more comfortable with reporting.
It is often helpful to ignore a one-time post or message by not responding and by not repeatedly viewing it. Doing so may stop the
cyberbully from posting again because the target ignores the post. It is helpful to seek a trusted friend or adult with whom the teen
can talk about the cyberbullying and gain some insight about the bullying and what to do about it. It might be necessary to block the
bully's phone number or social media account. All teens should consider safety and privacy online by thinking twice before posting
what could be embarrassing or negative messages, and by protecting passwords and locations.
Witnesses of cyberbullying
At least 60 percent of young people have witnessed cyberbullying, but most do nothing about it. It is important for teens to report
cyberbullying they witness or of which they are a target. All teens can help by not bullying back or encouraging retaliation from their
friends who are bullied. In addition, they can work together to remain positive online. More than 80 percent of teens believe
companies running social media platforms should do more to address cyberbullying on their sites. Teens who witness cyberbullying
should use the tools available for reporting the problem on reputable social media sites. Sharing the posts is not recommended,
because it only increases the problem.
Getting help
All teens who are targets of cyberbullying, especially repeated messages or posts, should talk to an adult about the problem. It is
especially important to report cyberbullying that is sexual or threatens harm. Individuals who are the target of cyberbullying should tell
an adult and report it to the police. The U.S. government https://www.stopbullying.gov website also provides information and
resources about all forms of bullying behavior, along with strategies for responding and receiving help.
Resources
Websites
Abramson, Ashley. "Cyberbullying: What is it and how can you stop it?" American Psychological Association. September 7, 2022.
https://www.apa.org/topics/bullying/cyberbullying-online-social-media (accessed November 7, 2023).
"Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it." UNICEF. February 2023. https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying
(accessed November 7, 2023).
Johnstone, Nick. "What is cyberbullying and how can it be prevented?: Mayo Clinic Press. May 31, 2023.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/what-is-cyberbullying-and-how-it-can-be-prevented/ (accessed November 7, 2023).
Patchin, Justin W. "Summary of Our Cyberbullying Research (2007-2023)." Cyberbullying Research Center. September 22, 2023.
https://cyberbullying.org/summary-of-our-cyberbullying-research (accessed November 7, 2023).
"What Is Cyberbullying?" Stopbullying.gov. November 5, 2021. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it (accessed

November 7, 2023).
Organizations
Cyberbullying Research Center, info@cyberbullying.org, https://cyberbullying.org .

DoSomething.org, 50 West 17th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY, 10011, (212) 254-2390, help@dosomething.org,
https://www.dosomething.org .
Stopbullying.gov, 200 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20201, https://www.stopbullying.gov .
Teens Against Bullying, Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center, 8162 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN, 55437, (800)
537-2237, (952) 838-9000, Fax: (952) 838-0199, bullying411@pacer.org, https://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org .
Source Citation (MLA 9th Edition)

Odle, Teresa G., and Kight Pruszynski. "Cyberbullying." Gale Health and Wellness Online Collection, Gale, 2023. Gale Health and
Wellness, link.gale.com/apps/doc/TAYHSE907498495/HWRC?u=j079907011&sid=bookmark-HWRC&xid=273958ff. Accessed
30 Dec. 2024.
Gale Document Number: GALE|TAYHSE907498495

Cyberbullying

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cyberbullying

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cyberbullying

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Disclaimer: This is a machine generated PDF of selected content from our products.

This functionality is provided solely for your

Cyberbullying among teens

Why cyberbullying is such a concern

Why people bully others

How to stop cyberbullying

"What Is Cyberbullying?" Stopbullying.gov. November 5, 2021. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it (accessed

Cyberbullying Research Center, info@cyberbullying.org, https://cyberbullying.org .

Stopbullying.gov, 200 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20201, https://www.stopbullying.gov .

Source Citation (MLA 9th Edition)

You might also like