Cyber bullying- The new age issue
Social network has taken bullying to extreme. Young generation today are more prone to Internet than ever. They view Internet and even more, mobiles as a positive aspect of our society. The Internet and mobile are the biggest system of communication which play a crucial role in our daily lives and development of activities. On the contrary these powers sometimes turn and show the negatives which include cyber bullying, many youngsters are targets to this. Very often, children are not able to understand what is this way of bullying.
As a result this is now becoming a source of confusion and anxiety. Research has demonstrated a number of serious consequences of cyberbullying victimization.No matter what kind of bullying it is traditional or cyber one , any victim can develop anxiety, fear, depression and low self esteem. It has become a huge issue recently, every time you turn on the news there is another bullying or a suicide related bullying. The major advancement of technology has effect on all. A study shows that 17% of fake accounts have been used to act mean to people and not to get in trouble.It’s very easy to tear some once self esteem. There are thousands of cases turning to substance abuse and other things to harm their bodies. It has been a 24/7* abuse issue.
Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment, This is considered more dangerous than other forms of cyberbullying. Trolls:Trolls and cyberbullies do not always have the same goals. While some trolls engage in cyberbullying, others may be engaged in harmless mischief. It is a common form of bullying that takes place in order to have a reaction or for someone’s own personal amusement.
Recent statics show that 20% of children and young people indicate fear of cyber bullied , 5% self harm, 3% of suicide cases directly, 28% of young people reported the case against cyber bullies on Twitter.
Why am I bullied?
There can be many reason why bullies may be targeting you, people generally pick you on the basis of how different you are, if you don’t fit in the mainstream. While your individualism is something that you will later celebrate in your life but for time now it can be seemed like a curse.
Others reasons why people like to bully be include being popular or to gain attention, because they are jealous of you, to look tough and feel powerful if you don’t reply back, or they themselves have been bullied lastly to escape their own issues.
Dealing with a bully!
If you are anytime begin to see yourself in such a place, Report the abuse on social media site, take screen shot of abuse so you have record of it even if the post is moved, involve the police if you feel nothing is done, if it’s done at your work involve your HR, block the people who act indecent on any social media platform it will only save you from continuous abuse and improves your well being, get some legal advice if you feel it has become a harassment.
In sum it has been demonstrated that cyber bullying is emerging as an international public health concern ,related to serious mental health concerns and physical too. Therefore, it is important to take a pro active approach , support that comes from professional to serve youth. Education about cyber bullying could be integrated into school curriculum’s, colleges, offices and the community at large.
Author–Neerja Biwalkar
