The Truth About Cyber Bullying You Need to Know
The Truth About Cyber Bullying You Need to Know
If you think that bullying happens only in school and playgrounds, then perhaps you should know about the dangers of today’s online space. Just like how the internet has proved to be a huge boon for mankind, it has also paved the way for many antisocial activities. Bullying that takes place in the online space is called cyberbullying. It’s digital in nature, meaning your child may fall prey to it through computers, mobile phones, tablets or any other gadget connected to the internet.
Here are a few truths (quite bitter ones) about cyberbullying that you should know:
1. Cyberbullying is rampant
Believe it or not, cyberbullying is an extremely common problem facing our society today. About 36.5 per cent of people say that they have faced cyberbullying at least once in their lifetime. Also, 17.4 per cent say that it happened to them in the last 30 days (Source).
2. Cyberbullying can happen anytime
Cyberbullies are pretty smart individuals. They know who to target and how to reach them. It can happen to your child at any time, particularly when they are alone. The practice is quick and challenging to track, especially when the messages are sent anonymously.
3. Cyberbullying is embarrassing for young children
Cyberbullying takes place when the bully uses electronic media to send text messages, emails or anything that’s very private or socially unacceptable. They can spread rumours on social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—something that can prove extremely embarrassing for your child.
4. Cyberbullying leads to mental health issues
Depression in teens and even suicides are pretty common phenomena resulting from cyberbullying. Sometimes the practice leaves behind very deep mental and emotional scars, leaving young children struggling to cope.
5. Cyberbullying leads to substance abuse
As cyberbullying is mentally and emotionally scarring, the only way young children cope is by depending on harmful substances. It can be alcohol or narcotic drugs. They find solace in these risky habits because it numbs the pain, even if it’s just temporarily.
The above points throw light on the gravity of cyberbullying. It’s a serious problem, and it’s high time that parents, schools, and the government take strict measures to curb it. For parents, it’s important to keep an eye on children’s online activities. Any change in their behaviour—be it mood swings, apathy, irritability, or emotional outbursts - is a sign that something might be wrong. Anything you find should be reported immediately to the authorities so that quick action can be taken against the perpetrator.