Bullying: The Causes And Effects Of Cyberbullying

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In 2006, national law enforcement leaders estimated that more than 13 million children and adolescents ages 6-17 were victims of cyberbullying (Feinburg and Robey 11). Unfortunately, by the time males and females become adults most have admitted to being bullied physically, emotionally or mentally. Bullies usually don 't understand the effects which they are fully creating and just think of themselves and the joy or revenge which they receive by bullying another person. Cyberbullying involves sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the internet, such as: instant messaging, e-mails, chat rooms, and social networking sites, along with other digital communication devices like cell phones. With bullying usually will come stalking, For many of the victims, horrid memories forever linger in their minds and damage their mental health. Unlike children who are physically bullied and the child may not remember the torture as much as time goes on, Cyberbullying is very hard to forget, especially if their cruel words forever remain in your phone, on social media or any technological devise. An 18 year old college student threw himself off a bridge after his roommate and a friend posted a webcam video of his sexual liaison 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 sensitive enough about that and it just adds on when they are judged or made fun of for it. Although, these harsh words make be very hard to deal with and understand why the bully has decided to single out them, family and friend support can help majorly. 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 likely to have better decision making and coping skills. Usually they are better equipped to ignore or effectively rebut cyberbullying and are less likely to escalate the situation through retaliation. Vulnerable adolescents tend to have few coping skills, poor relationships, mental health problems, and family difficulties (Feinburg and Robey 14). It is heartbreaking to see innocent children being attacked and feel like they can’t do anything about the situation except to believe it. If they were in a good family setting or had a strong relationship with some friends who they good trust, maybe the issue wouldn’t escalate to the point of depression or suicide. We say, “Sticks and stones can break bones, but names can never

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