Cyberbullying can lead to Suicide | Say No to Cyberbullying

 

CYBERBULLYING – TODAY'S EPIDEMIC

“Cyberbullying” is quite a buzz word today in the internet world.

The grave point of concern is its growing impact on our lives. Commonly known as Internet Bullying, it is amongst the far & wide growing form of teen or child violence that can do a lot of harm, mostly mental and even physical at times.

It can lead to anxiety, depression, lack of confidence and even suicide.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology & communication.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites or fake profiles.

Technically it’s called Bullying when children below age of 18 are involved at the either end – as a bully or as a victim. While it falls under harassment category if there are adults involved.

Over 80 percent of teens (world-wide) use a cell phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for cyberbullying.

Cyberbullies are highly intimidating. They thrive on having an audience. Display of power, vengeance and thrill are some of the reasons why people bully. Popularity & entertainment are usually the driving factors for children to indulge in bullying.

India as a country stands 4th in cyberbullying. Also what is noteworthy is if 1 of 10 children has been bullied online, about 50% of children are also the cyberbullies. Knowingly or unknowingly people contribute to the bullying in virtual space. Somewhere it’s the feeling of superiority or simply having fun by demeaning someone that leads to a criminal act such as bullying. The case shared here is a classic example of same.

3A’s of cyber space – Anonymity, Authority and Attention makes it very luring for psychologically sick or criminal minded people to vent or act out their intents. In fact it also gives platform to normal people as well to unleash their dark side & seek pleasure in dark fun.

WHY IS CYBER BULLYING DIFFERENT?

TYPES OF CYBERBULLYING

Trolling on internet is one of the most common forms of bullying. Text or instant messages and emails between friends can also constitute cyberbullying if what is said is hurtful.

Harassment

It involves repeatedly sending inappropriate, hateful, and hurtful messages to an individual or a group and is often repeated multiple times.

Flaming/Trolling

Flaming is similar to harassment, but it refers to an online fight exchanged via emails, instant messaging or chat rooms. It is a type of public bullying that often directs harsh languages, or images to a specific person.

Stalking

Electronically following someone and sending targeted messages with the intention of scaring, harming, or intimidating him/her/them

Outing/Doxing

Outing is when a bully shares personal and private information, pictures, or videos about someone publicly. A person is “outed” when his information has been disseminated throughout the internet.

Exclusion

Exclusion is the act of intentionally singling out and leaving a person out from an online group such as chats and sites. The group then subsequently leave malicious comments and harass the one they singled out.

Masquerading/Impersonation

Masquerading is a situation where a bully creates a fake identity to harass someone anonymously. In addition to creating a fake identity, the bully can impersonate someone else to send malicious messages to the victim.

ALARMING NUMBERS

1 out of 3

Have Been Threatened Online

50%

Bully

50%

Bullied

50%

Do Not Report

25%

Bullied On Phones

1 out of 10

Tell Parents

1 out of 5

Have Posted Their Own Nude Pics To Others