Cyberbullying: Meaning, Impact, and Prevention

Cyberbullying is an issue related to our online safety. Safety is the biggest issue with the world going digital and billions of people online. People of all ages use the internet through various devices for various purposes. The Internet is more accessible to everyone than ever. Fast connections and high-end gadgets make our lives easier and more productive. But is it always the same? Is it that transparent? Safety concerns are higher today because we are not aware of how our info can be shared or manipulated. Understanding the effects of cyberbullying is crucial as it can lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and isolation.

What is cyberbullying?

The modern term ‘cyberbullying’ is similar to the traditional bullying done in schools, workplaces, or any other space. But it’s cyber, meaning digital or online. Some people intentionally harass and threaten others online using the internet; this is more persistent and done to harm them in some way. It can be misusing their private info, threats, blackmailing, hacking, etc.

This type of bullying can be done through videos, texts, direct messages, snaps, and other mediums which are available in thousands of apps and browsers today. Private or public forums are not exempted and such predators keep an eye on their next victim. According to a national survey (2019) in the United States, it was found out that 36 to 45% of high schoolers have been victims or prey to such crimes and cyberbullying at some point in their lives. Many teenagers admitted they have also bullied someone else in the mentioned percentage.

With technology advancing and times changing, it’s more common and easier to be anonymous online while committing crimes. The predator can hide and stalk their victim through their social media accounts. These fake accounts are multiplying fast and are harder to detect.

Types of Cyberbullying:

Harassment is the main type of cyberbullying

It’s also a broader category where the person being bullied is harmed physically or mentally. This can put their life and growth at risk regardless of race, sex, disability, class, and background. With anonymous profiles and identities, it’s easier for cyberbullies to target someone and prey on their info.

Doxing/outing

Means publicly sharing private info about someone. Done without consent and often considered humiliation. Such private info can be pictures, text messages, phone numbers, addresses, personal life details, etc. Perpetrators can share personal data in online groups and chatrooms to shame and lower their self-esteem.

Fraping

In simple terms, Facebook rape is called fraping. It can also include the bully taking control of their social media, sharing info, faking identity, making false comments, and sexually harassing the victim online. The main purpose is to harass and shame the victim until they give in.

Sextortion

While most cybercrimes are everywhere online, sextortion is also common among young adults and teens. People pretending to be of the same age and being extra friendly or casual can target someone and harass or exploit them for sex, nudes, money, or even other personal desires. The bullies threaten the victim with images or texts to make them comply. Intimate pictures and info are used to extort money or sex. It’s illegal and has a wide negative impact on an individual’s well-being.

Why Do People Cyberbully?

Cyberbullying is a complex issue, and there is no single reason why people engage in this behavior. However, research suggests that some common motivations include a desire for power and control over others, a need to assert dominance or superiority, and a lack of empathy or understanding of the impact of their actions on others. The sense of anonymity or detachment from the consequences of their actions can also play a significant role. Additionally, some individuals cyberbully to gain attention or notoriety, while others may be responding to their own experiences of bullying or harassment.

It’s also important to note that cyberbullying can be a learned behavior. People may engage in this behavior because they have seen others do it or because they have been encouraged or pressured by others. Understanding these motivations can help develop effective strategies to prevent and address cyberbullying.

Typical Victims of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is not specific nor exclusive. Anyone online can be a victim of this crime without even knowing who is behind it. With this issue getting sensitive these days, no one seems safe from this. Children and teenagers are the easiest victims of cyberbullying. They are impulsive and clueless about how their online activity can affect their lives. Even with some basic digital knowledge, it’s hard to understand the exact real-life scenario where one can be bullied for some reason. In all kinds of surveys done to teens, pre-teens and adults, girls and women are more likely to get bullied online. They are under the microscope and mob mentality which affects their mental and physical health. It also makes them less interact and become the bully. Children use the internet for their projects and study-related materials where they browse without filters preventing them from knowing what’s harmful or misleading.

This is happening at a faster rate now with no notice or trace. Children from 11 to 15 are more prone to cyberbullying without knowing their predator or bully.

Ways of Victimization of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying doesn’t discriminate between race or gender; anyone in the internet world can be a victim unknowingly. The harm inflicted through a digital medium is not hard to trace as everything online can be tracked. However, VPN and other IP manipulating or hiding technologies can make it time-consuming to locate the exact source. Also, victimization is related to screen time or time spent online which leads to youth deviance and irrational behaviors. According to a worldwide survey, women get cyberbullied more than men and hardly seek help; internet trolls take that as a sign to continue their degradation on multiple levels and social platforms. The mass mob mentality which focuses on one person and attacks them with comments, dislikes, hate symbols, or messages can have a serious negative impact on the person’s reputation and real life.

All of this can have a direct and real impact on those involved. With negative consequences and self-isolation, very few people seek help from their families or friends. They are not interacting with anyone online or offline, often depressed and emotionally degraded.

The hostile and repetitive act of cyberbullying most of the time with malicious intent spreads wide without any exact reason. With the advancement of digital tools and AI technology, it’s getting harder to find the person behind the crime and charge them for the offense. Fake IDs, accounts, and other media are getting easier to use.

Effects of Cyberbullying

Any kind of bullying can make a person struggle with their daily life and mental health. It’s toxic and harmful to our psyche. The effects of cyberbullying can make a person struggle with their daily life and mental health. Children who are victims of cyberbullying show early signs of depression, anxiety, anger, fear, irritability, lack of focus, and other behavioral issues. They struggle academically and can’t focus due to distress.

Emotional and mental effects of cyberbullying: Online bullying in general is very harassing and can intrude on private life. Anything is online and can be viewed or used by anyone at any time. The person getting bullied knows that the negative things will stay and are for everyone to see. This is a matter of huge shame making the child feel alone and isolated. Such experiences cut off their communication and scar their emotions deeply. The most common response is anger and hate which changes their personality and confidence to a great extent. Cyberbullying can be dangerous and makes the victim feel helpless and vulnerable. It’s important to reach an adult or trusted friend for help and seek therapy or counseling on this matter.

Behavioral effects of cyberbullying: Children, teenagers, and even adults who are victims of cyberbullying often lose interest in their surroundings or activities. They feel distracted and unfocused on anything. Some targets are often found with self-harm and suicide intentions. It can be an impulsive thought sometimes but needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid any physical and emotional harm.

Many children who were cyberbullied were found to be substance abusers, using weapons to defend themselves and even skipping classes regularly to avoid any interaction. The child will need parental and medical guidance in such cases.

How to Stop Cyberbullying?

Every cybercrime leaves a digital footprint that can be used as evidence against the perpetrator and charged accordingly. So what can we do to avoid or prevent cyberbullying?

In this digital age of the internet, you can take steps to avoid or prevent cyberbullying. If someone is being cyberbullied they can take time off the internet or stop using specific apps, social media, etc. This is not the long-term solution a victim is looking for but it can help them clear their mind and feel better again. Some further steps related to privacy can be taken by parents or children to ensure a safer experience:

• Educate yourself more on privacy settings while using the internet, social media, or apps. One can easily change their privacy settings to control who can see, view, comment, or chat with them. Parents can also turn on parental control settings and adjust them according to their child’s age to prevent such crimes and contribute to a safer digital environment.
• Take action and report any harmful or hurtful content on social media. Approach the support forums or groups to report any issue and resolve it anonymously. Reporting such posts and incidents can also help to get them removed from social media.
• Block anyone who seems suspicious and is unknown. People can target anyone randomly so take necessary action and stop any further contact.
• Limit interactions by limiting comments on posts, not keeping pictures in public view settings and so on to control your digital footprint.

Law Enforcement and Policy

Law enforcement and policy play a crucial role in preventing and addressing cyberbullying. In the United States, for example, there are federal and state laws that prohibit online harassment and bullying. The Cyberbullying Prevention and Response Act of 2013 provides funding for schools to develop and implement cyberbullying prevention programs.

In addition, many social media platforms have their policies and procedures for addressing cyberbullying. For example, Facebook has a policy of removing content that is deemed to be bullying or harassing, and Twitter has a policy of suspending accounts that engage in abusive behavior. These measures are designed to create a safer online environment and to hold perpetrators accountable.

However, despite these efforts, cyberbullying remains a significant problem, and more needs to be done to address it. This includes increasing awareness and education about cyberbullying, improving reporting mechanisms, and providing support and resources for victims. By strengthening these areas, we can work towards a more effective response to online harassment.

Online Safety and Responsibility

Online safety and responsibility are critical components of preventing and addressing cyberbullying. Being aware of online risks and taking steps to protect oneself is essential. This includes using strong passwords, being cautious when sharing personal information, and understanding privacy settings on social media platforms.

Respect and consideration for others online are equally important. Avoiding behavior that could be hurtful or harassing helps create a positive online community. If you witness or experience cyberbullying, it is crucial to report incidents to the relevant authorities, such as social media platforms or law enforcement.

Supporting and advocating for victims of cyberbullying can make a significant difference. Educating oneself and others about cyberbullying and its effects helps raise awareness and promotes a safer online environment. By taking these steps, we can all play a role in creating a safer and more responsible online community, reducing the incidence of cyberbullying.

What to Do if You are a Victim of Cyberbullying?

You should immediately stop replying and start collecting evidence of bullying. You can report the bully to the social media platforms. A cyberbullying victim can approach their parents and peers for emotional support. Their advice and moral support can help uplift their self-esteem. In extreme cases, you can approach the cybercrime division of the police. Please go through this detailed guide on dealing with cyberbullying.

Conclusion

Report such cyberbullying as soon as possible. Parents should always look into what their child is going through and facing at school. With proper guidance and therapy, they can also live a normal life and regain their self-confidence. Adults can control screen time or guide their children on how to use the internet safely like controlling what they upload and share, who they talk to, what they see etc. Victimized individuals eventually learn, cope, and build resilience to use the internet safely. It’s high time to prioritize anti-bullying grounds and bullying prevention measures.

Please read this detailed guide on dealing with online bullying.