In this article we will discuss the most trending problem across the globe i.e. cyberbullying depicting some of the alarming statistics that you should be aware of. For those who require clarity about what is cyberbullying, please continue reading. Raising a child is challenging in the internet era. Often it is debated whether the internet is a boon or a bane.
However, issues arise in different forms and equally solutions are also found to arrest them. That way let’s take a look at cyberbullying, its types, impact, and ways to put an end to it.
Contents
Cyber-bullying Statistics in Infographics
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What is cyberbullying?
Harassing individual especially children and teens over digital devices and social media is called cyberbullying.
What kind of harassment?
Sharing or posting negative, harmful, and abusive contents via social media and digital devices is harassment. Several individuals do not even share this with their parents.
Primary source
Predominantly the victims are Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook users. Not more than 280 characters it is possible to hurt an individual in twitter passing obnoxious comments. The sad fact is only 10% of the children report cyberbullying.
Who Gets Bullied Repeatedly And How?
Teens are the victim of cyberbullying because they use cell phones more than younger children. Also, they are not aware of cyberbullying and cannot handle harassment like adults. They are the age group between innocence and experience. Thus they are the target group to be bullied.
80% of teens are on cell phones most of the time giving rooms to cyberbullying.
In particular to talk about boys or girls who are bullied more seriously includes girls. It is because they are afraid of sharing the information with friends and family members. 83% of girls receive explicit pictures that were not looked for or asked for which when compared with boys is 55%.
Quick Tips to girls to avoid getting into the trap
- Make sure you accept friend request only when you know the person.
- Try to keep all your details private and do not share in public.
- Never try to snoop others account which will lead to a problem. Even Facebook might mention your view is not viewed, but beware.
- Most important is to let know your parents immediately when something goes wrong the first time.
Types of Cyberbullying
Yes, one form of cyberbullying is sharing images to girls that could embarrass them. But it does not stop there and goes beyond control. Types of bullying are listed in order of causing more trauma to the teens.
- 41% – Negative experience in the name of passing comments, posting pictures, etc.
- 25% – Online experience follows in person, and the teens get into arguments and confrontation personally.
- 22% – Teasing and withdrawing friendship and support.
- 13% – Creating anxiety and preventing from going to school and other places.
- 13% of social media using teens reported negative online experiences resulting in causing a problem with such teen’s parent(s).
Cyberbullying happens in the form of teasing, passing hurtful comments, sexual assault etc.
Awareness and Reporting
Most of the time kids do not understand that they are bullied and not even report this to the parents. They get into a shell and start isolating as they feel humiliated. Further kids think that it is their fault and hence do not bring such issues to light.
Statistically only 1 in 10 victims take that to the notice of their parents or other trustworthy family members.
The reporting does not happen because they are afraid is not the primary reason that they don’t realize that they are bullied. Initially, they ignore, but later they start hiding.
Major Impact of Cyberbullying
Depending on the intensity of bullying and the maturity it affects the children differently.
Support less and very severely hurt teens decide to end their life. Cyberbullying is one of the primary reasons for Suicide among children. Cyberbullying takes a toll on the self-esteem, and hence kids think of ending their life.
Taking revenge is another effect of being cyberbullied. Not only had they hurt the person who bullied them but starts practising on innocents as well.
Feeling depressed and losing focus on work or studies is another thing most often noticed among these kids.
They exhibit mood swings, irritation, temper tantrums and frustration as a result of being bullied. It is difficult for elders to make out the cause of such behaviours.
Eventually, they become introverts and lock themselves in the rooms. Even though these are frequent mood changes among teens, parents must oversee them and help them come out of their ill feeling.
Role of Parents/Elders to prevent cyberbullying
It is not possible to keep your children away from social media or digital devices. But you must always ensure that they let you know about the happenings. Per the famous saying “prevention is better than cure” educate them in advance to avoid getting into the trap.
Let them know the best way to use social media and do not control them from using. Discuss with them as a friend to allow them to share their feelings. In short, spend quality time with your kids.
Ok, in case of prevention did not work what next?
You can still help them to get out of cyberbullying after knowing that they are facing some issues. Watch their actions and analyze the reason behind. Trust your kids and do not bombard them with questions.
Be empathetic and give them confidence as it is possible to handle the situation. Keep the school informed to help your child better.
Try all possible ways within your limits to bring things under control and as a concrete resort take help from police personnel. Never try to cover up things as that will only worsen your child’s fear.
Final Suggestion
Understand that every problem has a solution and hand hold children with you to give them a peaceful life. Do not hesitate to report the issue to the respective authority based on the law followed by your country. Scholls should ideally enforce an anti bullying policy in the campus and follow it rigorously.
