Topic > Bullying: The Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying

In 2006, national law enforcement leaders estimated that more than 13 million children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 were victims of cyberbullying (Feinburg and Robey 11). Unfortunately, by the time males and females become adults, most have admitted to being physically, emotionally, or mentally bullied. Bullies usually do not understand the effects they are creating and only think about themselves and the joy or revenge they receive from bullying another person. Cyberbullying involves sending or posting harmful or cruel texts or images using the Internet, for example: instant messaging, email, chat rooms and social networking sites, along with other digital communication devices such as mobile phones. Bullying usually comes with stalking. For many of the victims, horrific memories linger in their minds forever and damage their mental health. Unlike children who are physically bullied and may not remember the torture as time passes, cyberbullying is very difficult to forget, especially if their cruel words remain forever in your phone, social media or any device technological. An 18-year-old college student jumped from a bridge after his roommate and a friend posted a webcam video of his sexual relationship with another man (Uhls). Being bullied for being bisexual, gay or lesbian is one of the most common topics during cyberbullying. Unfortunately, most of these people are already quite sensitive about it and this only compounds when they are judged or made fun of for it. Although these harsh words make it very difficult to deal with them and understand why the bully chose to single them out, support from family and friends can be a great help. In some cases the victim feels too vulnerable and embarrassed to tell a friend or adult. Adolescents who are socially well adjusted and have healthy peer and family support systems are more likely to have better decision-making and coping skills. They are usually better equipped to ignore or effectively counter cyberbullying and are less likely to escalate the situation through retaliation. Vulnerable adolescents tend to have poor coping skills, poor relationships, mental health problems, and family difficulties (Feinburg and Robey 14). It's heartbreaking to see innocent children being attacked and feel like you can't do anything but believe it. If they were in a good family environment or had a strong relationship with a few friends they trusted, perhaps the problem wouldn't escalate to the point of depression or suicide. We say: “Sticks and stones can break bones, but never names