Posted: March 28th, 2022

Cyberbullying in the 21st Century and How to Avoid It

Cyberbullying in the 21st Century and How to Avoid It

Cyberbullying is a form of online harassment that involves sending or posting hurtful, embarrassing, or threatening messages or images to or about someone. Cyberbullying can affect anyone, but it is especially common and harmful among young people who use social media, gaming platforms, or text messaging frequently. According to a recent survey, 23.2% of US teens had been cyberbullied in the last month, while 4.9% had cyberbullied others in the same period [1]. Cyberbullying can have serious consequences for the victims, such as lower self-esteem, depression, anxiety, academic problems, and even suicidal thoughts [2].

How to Prevent Cyberbullying

The best way to prevent cyberbullying is to be respectful and kind to others online, and to avoid engaging in or encouraging any form of online abuse. Here are some tips to prevent cyberbullying:

– Think before you post or send anything online. Ask yourself if it could hurt or offend someone, or if you would want someone to say or do the same thing to you.
– Protect your privacy and personal information online. Do not share your passwords, phone numbers, addresses, or other sensitive details with anyone you do not trust. Use privacy settings and block or report users who harass you or send you unwanted messages.
– Be a positive influence online. Use social media and other platforms to spread kindness, support, and positivity. Compliment others, share helpful information, and stand up for those who are being cyberbullied.
– Educate yourself and others about cyberbullying. Learn about the signs, effects, and laws related to cyberbullying. Talk to your friends, family, teachers, or counselors about cyberbullying and how to deal with it. Report any incidents of cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities or platforms.

How to Cope with Cyberbullying

If you are a victim of cyberbullying, you are not alone and you do not have to suffer in silence. There are ways to cope with cyberbullying and get help from others. Here are some steps to take if you are being cyberbullied:

– Do not respond or retaliate to the cyberbully. This may only make the situation worse and give them more power over you. Instead, ignore them or block them from contacting you.
– Save the evidence of cyberbullying. Take screenshots, save messages, or record calls that show how you are being cyberbullied. This can help you prove your case and get support from others.
– Tell someone you trust about what is happening. You do not have to deal with cyberbullying alone. Reach out to a friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult who can listen to you and help you find solutions.
– Seek professional help if needed. If cyberbullying is affecting your mental health, well-being, or safety, you may need to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or doctor. They can provide you with emotional support, coping skills, and treatment options.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious problem that affects many people around the world. It can cause emotional distress, psychological harm, and physical danger for the victims. However, there are ways to prevent and cope with cyberbullying by being respectful and responsible online, protecting your privacy and personal information, being a positive influence online, educating yourself and others about cyberbullying, saving the evidence of cyberbullying, telling someone you trust about what is happening, and seeking professional help if needed.

References

[1] Hinduja S (2021). Cyberbullying Statistics 2021 | Age, Gender,
Sexual Orientation,
and Race. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-statistics-age-gender-sexual-orientation-race
[2] Cook S (2023). Cyberbullying facts and statistics for 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online – 2023.
Retrieved from https://www.comparitech.com/internet-providers/cyberbullying-statistics/

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