Cyberbullying: The downside of electronic media

Electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops amongst others have brought the art of communication up to date in a way our ancestors would have thought was magic. We can be in communication with loved ones, friends, associates, work colleagues etc 24 hours 7 days a week if we wish.

Facebook and Twitter amongst other social media outlets bring joy to the masses however there is a sinister side to this technology. Cyberbullying as it is known has become the bane of the electronic age and it affects all age groups.

However, most of the cyberbullying you hear about is the case of children or teenagers bullying over the medium of electronic devices other young people. Cyberbullying has grown alongside electronic media as the technology has become more sophisticated.

Cyberbullying in many respects is no different to traditional forms of bullying only in this instance it takes place across a background of new technology.

Dealing with the problem for many professionals like teachers can be a nightmare when pupils or students come to them reporting what has transpired. Of course, some never report any incident of threats or intimidation out of fear of retribution and so some victims suffer in silence. This had led to young people in certain cases taking their own lives with shocked members of their family never knowing the secret that their young one was suffering in silence.

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of cell phones, instant messaging, email, chat rooms and social media to harass, threaten or intimidate people. As has been stated cyberbullying does affect age groups across the board, however, young people understand technology better and are able to use it more effectively than most older age groups hence the purveyors of and victims of cyberbullying are in most cases, young people.

Types of cyberbullying are harassment involving the bully sending an offensive and malicious message to individuals or groups. Other types are known as flaming, exclusion and masquerading.

Dealing with cyberbullying is an issue that must be addressed and the proponents of this awful schism need to be dealt with soundly. If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied these are the steps you should take or the person you know.

Don't respond and don't forward messages. Keep the evidence of cyberbullying like dates, times and description of when the cyberbullying occurred. Also, save and print screenshots where you can and certainly if it is necessary.

Finally, you can block the person/persons doing the cyberbullying. Below you will find a helpful link about cyberbullying.