Cyberbullying occurs when new technologies such as computers and mobile phones are used to harass or bully somebody. The perpetrators often use SMS, e-mail, chat rooms and Facebook to spread their message.
Who are the victims? Around 10 percent of all adolescents in grades 7-9 are victims of cyberbullying. There is a clear connection to school life, it usually calms downs in the summer.
The perpetrator is almost always from the same school as the victim. It is a lot easier to be a perpetrator on the internet since it enables you to act anonymously. This also makes it possible for a weaker person to bully a stronger, which is uncommon in conventional bullying.
Adults shouldn't be so naive about what they put out about themselves on the internet, for example pictures. Kids get inspired by what adults do. In addition, it's good if parents and teachers show interest and ask their children to show them which sites they like to visit. But it's usually not a good idea to forbid them from visiting certain websites; they should instead teach them how to act when they are there.
It is also important not to blame victimised children, since it's really not their fault. Our job is instead to help them end the harassment.
Cyberbullying Prevention Commercial
I hope you can see the importance of this information. Specially for those who are teachers and parents, we should do something to stop this in our school, and our family. Kids, teenagers and all types of people are exposed to this, it's very sad how many of young people die every year for this kind of abuse.
