Cyber Bullying: A Study of Long Term Effects on Adolescent Cyber Bullying

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Introduction:

Cyber bullying is a topic that has been researched many times. As technology changes, it is important that research is kept up to date on how victimization can affect present and future psychosocial adjustment issues. Cyber bullying is defined as victimization that intends to harm another through electronic means, where individuals can harm without physical interaction. (Tokunaga, 2010). Cyber bullying requires little planning and there is little chance of being caught. It is important to realize that as adolescents are becoming more in tune with technology, they are engaged in many more activities that are online based, therefore spending more time online. (Tokunaga, 2010).

Cyber bullying has recently come to the fore front of media attention in regards to the detrimental effects on the adjustment of adolescents. Studies report suicide, depression, academic problems, and a host of other adjustment problems being the result of victimization (Tokunaga, 2010).

Cyber bullying can affect the psychosocial aspects of a teenager by increasing the feelings of depression, thoughts of suicide, and self harm. Tokunaga, (2010) reports a specific case, where one teenager, aged thirteen, committed suicide after experiencing harassment through a social networking site (Tokunaga, 2010). In addition, one other study determined that individuals who embody more than one role, such as being victim, bystander and also bully, were more likely to think of ending their lives (Noret & Rivers, 2010). Unhappiness was also reported in a study conducted by Arsenault et al, 2006. Finally, Hay et al, (2010) reported that self harm, such as cutting can also be a consequence of cyber bullying.

Helplessness is also a phenomenon that has resu...

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