Top Challenges Of Cyberbullying

Schoolyard bullying has been around for generations, but recently it has taken on a new, menacing face—cyberbullying. Now adolescents use technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully, harass, hassle, and threaten peers. No longer does the bullying end once the school day ends. With the use of technology, groups of bullies can relentlessly and anonymously attack twenty-four hours a day for the whole world to witness (Goodno, Naomi Harlin). Cyberbullying presents a danger to schoolchildren. Because cyberbullying involves the Internet and the use of cell phones, it is more pervasive, relentless, and cruel than off-line bullying. There is simply no escape for victims of cyberbullying. Indeed, cyberbullying follows a victim from their school to their home, and possibly to their adult life. Legislatures and public schools are taking measures to combat cyberbullying. However, with this new medium for bullying comes many new and challenging

School is the center of children’s lives. Online harassment may take place at home, but the fallout is often seen at school and can interfere with the educational environment. In the worst case, students are so worried about cyberbullying that they can’t focus on their studies or are afraid to come to school. It has become a school climate and safety issue (Adams, Caralee). As cyberbullying often takes place outside of school, it is a more difficult form of bullying for schools to address. However, given its increasing prevalence, there are actions that school administrators can and should take to decrease cyberbullying and its effects (Preventing Cyberbullying). Schools are in an ideal position to help children and young people understand the dangers in cyberspace and to provide strategies for addressing bullying when they encounter it. If bullying in general is to be challenged, all members of a school community must learn about it (Cowie, Helen, and Pat