Bullying: The Dangers And Effects Of Cyberbullying

In a study done on 4,500 12-17 year-old 36.3% of females reported being cyberbullied in their lifetime, and 30.7 males reported being cyberbullied in their lifetime (New National). With new forms of technology always coming out it is likely these numbers will increase. Technology has made this an easy form of bullying, one can sit behind a computer screen, cell phone, or even a gaming system and belittle, threaten, and abuse others. The inability to always see cyberbullying, while it’s happening and the vast amounts of technology it can occur through, making this a difficult crime to stop. Cyberbullying is often times unreported so its seen by the effects it has on its victims, effects such as psychological damage, issues in school, and physical

Because a vast number of cyberbullies are classmates of the victims, these students become fearful of going to school and facing the individual. As well as the fear of being ridiculed by other students, depending upon the type of cyberbullying being committed be it a picture or nasty comments on social media. Sixteen year-old Marry shared her story about being cyberbullied by her peers she tells about how they sent her snapchats telling her to, “Kill herself already.” The physical abuse she faced at school; threatening notes shoved in her locker being pushed into a road busy with traffic (meganmeierfoundation.org). All because of something she didn’t even do. This type of cyberbullying victimization can lead students to fear going to school; therefore, leading to low attendance and suffering grades. In a study performed by Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin, nearly two-thirds (64%) of the students who experienced cyberbullying stated that it really affected their ability to learn and feel safe at school (New National Bullying and Cyberbullying Data). Falling behind only worsens the cycle of bullying and the insecurities of the

Stress and constant fear can eventually lead to actual physical issues such as feeling sick, stomach aches and headaches. Though these are unpleasant and can in time become serious issues the most detrimental of physical effects is—suicide. Unlike normal face-to-face bulling that usually occurs at school cyberbullying can follow individuals everywhere. There is no “safe-place” even behind the walls of one’s home they are still being attacked. Leaving them feeling hopeless and afraid. When left unnoticed these feelings of hopelessness and fear can manifest into one taking their own life. Feeling as if this is the only way out; their only means of relief. One of many cases of cyberbullying leading to suicide is the story of Phoebe Prince. After over the course of 3 months of being threatened with physical abuse, hostile text messages, and verbally abused- publicly and on Facebook, Phoebe Prince, who at age 15, committed suicide on Jan. 14, 2010 (usnews.nbcnews.com). This case alongside others led to laws being implemented against cyberbullies. Because cyberbullying is not always witnessed it can almost seem unreal; however, the ramifications of this crime are very