cyber bullying

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“In 2006, 13-year-old Megan Meir of Missouri hung herself after being tormented and harassed by her 15-year-old MySpace friend “Josh.” Josh told her, among other things, “The world would be better off without you.” Eventually Megan’s family learned that “Josh” was really a creation of Lori Drew” (Sanchez 43). Cyber bullying is an increasing common experience for teens around the world. It is argued that cyber bullying is not as devastating as traditional bullying; the internet encourages anonymous cruelty and reaches more people. Although polls have confirmed that teens do not seem to feel particularly threatened by cyber bullying, more than one-third of Internet-using adolescents have experienced cyber bullying, some so much that they have feared for their safety. Social media should be restricted due to the increasing problems, crimes, and long term effects caused by cyber bullying.
Studies show a connection between bullying, being bullied, and an increased risk for teen suicide. “Increasing reports of youth suicide, as well as school violence, in the United States appear to be related to cyber bullying” (Hayes 11). Teens have been caused to experience bullying online more than physically on the playground. The effect can even result in suicide. “The New York Times reported Saturday that Katherine Evans, a former high school senior and honor student at a Miami high school, was suing her former principal for ordering her suspension. Evans had been suspended for posting an angry rant against an English teacher of hers on Facebook. "Sarah Phelps is the worst teacher I've ever met!" she wrote. After a few days, Evans took the post down. Two months later, she was suspended for "cyber bullying harassment. She's suing in order to rem...

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...rd by the time they reach the age of 30, according to research from the U.S. Department of Education” (Hogan 29). Bullies are pleased to have control and power take over other people. There is no escape from cyber bullying.
Social media should be limited in extent to prevent cyber bullying. Many parents often have kids who are bothered in schools. A bully can still bother them when they go online. At any time of age a child that uses the internet or joins a social network can be exposed to problems like cyber bullying. A large number of hurtful texts, emails, or photos have been purposely posted on social networking sites to humiliate the target. There have been many reports of bullies setting up a fake account to post or sent messages posing as the victim. Social networking should do more in order to prevent teen’s increased risk for exposure to cyber bullying.

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