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What is cyberbullying?
Adolescents have been bullying each other for many generations. The latest generation has been able to utilize technology to expand the level and harm associated with bullying. This phenomenon is being referred to as cyberbullying.
“Cyber” is a prefix meaning of or related to the computer. “Bullying” commonly refers to acts of aggressive behavior that cause physical or psychological harm or discomfort to another person. Such aggressive behavior may directly target a specific person or group of people or it may be more indirect, such as spreading rumors or lies about the targeted person or group. Cyberbullying, then, is defined as the willful use of computers or computerized machines as tools to intentionally and repeatedly cause harm or discomfort through verbal or relational aggression that target a specific person or group of people.
Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen, or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, mobile phones, interactive and digital technologies. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at the least instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is called cyberharrassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyberharrassment or cyberstalking is never referred to as cyberbullying.
The methods used are limited only by the child’s imagination and access to technology. The cyberbully one minute may become the victim the next moment. The children often change roles, going back and forth from victim to bully. Children have taken cyberbullying so far that it has resulted in killing each other and suicides after being involved in a cyberbullying incident.
Cyberbullying is usually not a one time communication, unless it involves a death threat or a credible threat of serious bodily harm. Cyberbullying may arise to the level of a misdemeanor cyberharassment charge, or if the child is young enough may result in the charge of juvenile delinquency. Most of the time the cyberbullying does not go to that extreme, at times parents will often try to pursue criminal charges. In some cases, it may involve identity theft, which can be a serious criminal matter under state and federal law.
Some Examples of Cyberbullying
There are a number of common types of cyberbullying which are seen very regularly. First, using an internet-connected computer a bully can send harassing e-mails, or instant messages, post obscene, insulting, and malicious messages to online bulletin boards or social networking sites, or even develop web pages to promote and publicize offensive content. Second, nasty text messages can be sent to the target via cell phones. In addition to sending threatening text messages, most phones have the capability of picture taking and video recording. This enables individuals to have more opportunity to collect information that could easily be used against someone else. For example, a picture that could be taken in a place where privacy is expected and posted online for all to see. Another important issue is that with cyberbullying hurtful or humiliating content can be sent to a large number of people in a short period of time
How Does Cyberbullying Work?
There are two kinds of cyberbullying, direct attacks, or messages sent to kids directly, and cyberbullying by proxy, or using others to help cyberbully the victim, either with or without the accomplice’s knowledge. Oftentimes, the cyberbullying by proxy will get adults involved in the harassment, so it can be much more dangerous.
Why Do Kids Cyberbully Each Other?
We don’t really know why kids do what they do. When it comes to cyberbullying, they are often motivated by anger, revenge or frustration. Sometimes they will engage in these acts for entertainment purposes or boredom. They may have too much time on their hands and too many technology devices available to them. Some do it to get a reaction. Some do it by accident; they may send a message to the wrong person or did not think through before they did something. Others do it to torment others and for their own ego.
In addition, supervision is lacking in cyberspace. Another problem is the increasing number of computer presence in the private bedrooms of adolescents.
Victimization on the internet through cyberbullying is increasing in scope and frequency. This negative experience not only undermines a youth’s freedom to utilize and explore valuable online resources, but can also result in severe functional, psychological and emotional issues. It is hoped that this series of cyberbullying information will contribute to your overall understanding of the causes, consequences, psychological issues, and prevention tactics of online aggression.
Add a Comment2 Comments
After 23 years in juvenile court, I believe that teenagers often learn from the experiences of their peers, not just from being lectured by those in authority. Consequently, “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” was published in January, 2010.
Endorsed by Dr. Phil ["Bullied to Death"], “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” presents real cases of teens in trouble over their online and cell phone activities. Civil & criminal sanctions have been imposed on teens over their emails, blogs, text messages, Facebook and YouTube entries and more. TCI is interactive and promotes education & awareness so that our youth will begin to “Think B4 U Click.”
Thanks for looking at “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated” on http://www.freespirit.com [publisher] or on http://www.askthejudge.info [a free website for & about teens and the law].
Regards, -Judge Tom
November 17, 2010 - 8:21pmThis Comment
this sia serious and timely issue thank you very much for the excellent information parebnts have more issues than ever before to watch for and now this we all need to be vigi,ant thias article point sout how vulnerable our children are in the computer age keep this type of information coming!
November 17, 2010 - 2:01pmThis Comment