Cyberbullying
“Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.”This form of bullying is bad because it demeans the victim making them feel powerless and scared. The truth is cyberbullying is just as damaging as any other form of bullying. This eventually becomes an issue because this can have an extremely negative impact on the victim. The effects of cyberbullying are more likely to have a higher risk of anxiety, depression, loss of interest in activities, decreased academic achievement, and suicidal thoughts. The victim is more likely to retaliate through extremely violent measures, In 12 of 15 shooting cases in the 1990's the shooter had a history of being bullied. Recently Taft Union High School located in Kern County, California was the site of a shooting were the gunman said he had been bullied by the shooting victims. Some of the long term effects that lead into adulthood: changes in sleep and eating patterns, more like to have health complications, increased thoughts about suicide. In one study adults who recalled being bullied in their youth were more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations. Unfortunately there is no definite solution to cyberbullying but there are definitely ways to prevent it. Refusing to pass along cyberbullying messages, raising awareness, and most importantly speaking up. Being a bystander is just as bad as being the bully so speak up and speak out! Cyberbullying has affected me by making sure I think before I post.