Cyberbullying - An Overview

Introduction:

Technology and the internet make us more connected to each other. The internet also makes us aware of the things happening around the world. Like any other platform, the internet also has its negatives. Social media has opened the door for stalking, doxing, harassment, etc. Right from childhood, bullying comes in various forms. Bullying is an act of aggression against others. In today’s world, cyberbullying is the main culprit. Cyberbullying is using technology by a person to embarrass, threaten, target, or harass another person. Cyberbullying often hurts people and can have long-lasting adverse effects on a person’s life.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is any kind of bullying that is screen-based and uses electronic technology like computers and cell phones. Cyberbullies send mean emails, share embarrassing photos, spread rumors, create fake social media profiles, and send sexual messages. The major effects of cyberbullying on a person include mental health issues, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Both bullying and cyberbullying share similar characteristics, like abuse and harassment. The major difference between them is that cyberbullying takes place on the internet and in other digital areas.

What Are the Different Types of Cyberbullying?

The different types of cyberbullying are as follows:

• Flaming: Flaming involves sending inflammatory and angry messages to someone online. Flaming intends to provoke the person and make them engage back.

• Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is a severe type of cyberbullying that involves monitoring, watching, or following a person using their social media accounts.

• Harassment: Harassment involves sending threatening, mean, or offensive messages to a person online.

• Doxing: Doxing is a type of cyberbullying that involves sharing the personal and sensitive information of a person without their consent.

• Exclusion: Exclusion occurs when a person who is bullied is intentionally left out of online activities like group messages, projects, or social media groups.

• Trickery: Trickery is a type of cyberbullying in which a bully gains the trust of a person. After gaining the trust, the bully shares sensitive or personal information that the person shares in private.

• Impersonation: Impersonation is the act of a person posing as another person online. The intention of the bully here is to post things that will create hatred toward the person.

• Fraping: Fraping involves the bully using a specific person’s social media account to post harmful or inappropriate information. It is quite similar to impersonation.

• Denigration: Denigration, commonly known as dissing, is a bully trying to spoil a person’s reputation online. It involves posting or sharing harmful and false rumors about a person on social media.

• Masquerading: Masquerading is a kind of cyberbullying that involves creating a fake social media account or profile to harass a person anonymously. Catfishing is a type of masquerading that involves using a fake persona online to make someone fall into a relationship.

What Are the Symptoms of People Experiencing Cyberbullying?

The symptoms of people experiencing cyberbullying are as follows:

• Become angry, upset, or anxious while using their phones or computers.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Self-harming behaviors.

• Staying away from family and friends.

• Disturbed eating patterns.

• Reduced self-esteem.

• Poor academic performance.

• Hesitant to attend social gatherings.

• Depression.

• Thoughts of not wanting to go to study or work.

• Recurrent headaches.

• Abdominal pain.

• Getting nervous while getting an email or text.

• Avoiding discussions about digital activities, phones, or computers.

• Suicidal thoughts.

What Are the Signs of People Who Do Cyberbullying?

The signs of people who do cyberbullying are as follows:

• Stay secretive about their online activities.

• Shows sudden behavioral changes.

• Has multiple social media accounts.

• Becomes frustrated when they cannot use their phones or computers.

• Using social media frequently, especially during the night.

• Aggression.

• Use substances like tobacco or alcohol.

• Laughs at things online but does not discuss them with others.

• Being concerned with social status.

How to Control Cyberbullying?

People who experience cyberbullying can follow a few steps. They are as follows:

• Block and report the accounts of people who do cyberbullying on social media.

• Protect personal posts on social media from strangers by using privacy settings.

• Think twice before sharing any personal or sensitive images, even with friends.

• Take screenshots of bullying messages to establish a piece of evidence.

• Do not respond or give attention to people who do cyberbullying.

• Children using social media should inform their parents about their online activities.

• Contact authorities in severe cases of cyberbullying and online threats.

• Limit the time spent on devices and social media platforms.

• Children and teenagers should use computers in shared spaces at home.

• Children should only use online applications that have parental control.

• Teachers should encourage their students to be respectful, both online and offline.

• Make teenagers and children aware of the legal outcomes of cyberbullying.

How to Help People Who Are Experiencing Cyberbullying?

The ways to help people who experience cyberbullying are as follows:

• Mental health professionals and school counselors should help children who suffer psychological symptoms of cyberbullying.

• Social skills, empathy training, and communication can help the person cope with the trauma.

• Bullying victims should be brought in touch with organizations that help people access support groups. Certain websites feature resources and information to prevent cyberbullying and other forms of digital abuse.

• Encourage the victim to involve in relaxing activities or calming breathing exercises to reduce anxiety.

• Victims should be made a part of group projects, discussions, and group counseling. It can improve the mental health of the victims.

• People with self-harming habits should be taken to a qualified counselor or therapist. They can help the victim make a safety plan in case of suicidal thoughts.

• Never allow the victim to stay alone and keep them distracted by taking them out or making them engage in fun group activities.

• Make the victim aware of the fact that it is not their fault. Appreciate the victim for sharing the bullying experiences.

Conclusion:

Cyberbullying is a serious form of harassment using digital devices. It can have serious negative impacts on both those who perpetrate and experience cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can affect a person mentally, and in severe cases, it can often result in suicide. It is worse than conventional bullying, as the victim cannot walk away from the situation. Children from a young age should be educated about the dangers of the digital world. Children should be taught healthy ways to respond while disagreeing with others. Others have to support and help the people who undergo cyberbullying. Understanding the behavioral changes of a person and taking them to a therapist at the right time help cyberbullying victims return to a normal life.