What is Cyberbullying and Its impact?

Cyberbullying is becoming a significant concern in today's world as increase the number of users of the internet and social networking sites. Cyberbullying or Cyber harassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic media. Recent studies show that cyberbullying can damage mental health seamlessly. Because, who has been victimized, everybody left them behind. As a result, they feel lonely, depressed, and demoralized.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services,n.d''Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs through electronic technology including texting, email, messaging, online, over social networking sites, or any other device''.

 

 

Cyberbullying facts and statistics: 

Children and young women are mostly affected. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, which has been collecting data on the subject since 2002, an average of 28% of teens reports being cyberbullied. More parents than ever report their children are getting bullied both at school or online. You will be surprised to know that children over the age of 5 are also being forced.

In 2018, a Pew Research study found that 60% of teens experienced some form of cyberbullying. It also stated:

47 .7%( ages 6 to 10),56.4%(ages 11 to 13),59.9%(ages 14-18),54.3%( ages 19 and above) parents reported that their children were bullied  

 

 

Between 2007 and 2016, the number of teens experiencing cyberbullying had remained almost the same(more or less 32%), but in 2019 cyberbullying statistics, nearly 43% of teens (most of them girls LGBTQ community members)had experienced some form of harassment[source: statista.com]

Reasons behind: There are numerous reasons behind this. But a teen who reports being bullied say it was because of their-

Appearance-61%,Academic achievement-25%,Sexuality-15%,Financial Stability-15% [source: nvee.org]

 

 

Locations where reported bullying happened: 

Most of the cases are happening at school(82.8%). Besides, on the bus(32.5%)and 56% of online harassment victims reported being harassed on Facebook. The most common type of online harassment are comments(22.5%), according to US students.

Apart from this,spreading rumors(20.1%) and posting sexual remarks(12.1%).Almost one-fifth of all bullying occurs through social media.

 

 

Impact of Cyberbullying: 

Cyberbullying is creating a negative impact. It can severely affect the self-esteem and mental health of the people who had experienced it. Data from,ditchthelabel.org shows that-

41% of people who were cyberbullied developed social anxiety,37% developed depression,26% has suicidal thoughts,26% deleted their social profile,25% self-harmed,25% stopped using social media,20% skipped class,14% developed an eating disorder,9% abused drugs or alcohol

According to a 2017 survey by statists,66% of cyberbullied women felt powerless in their ability to respond to the abuse, while 63% of them couldn't sleep sound. Besides, a significant negative impact is the loss of self-confidence, found in 61% of women.

 

 

Cyberbullying worldwide: 

The top 3 countries where cyberbullying is the most experienced are India, Brazil, and the United States. But it is a common scenario all over the world. Social media cyber bullying statistics show that over 65% of parents worldwide take it as one of their most significant worries. 

Though many countries are trying to impose anti-bullying laws, an effective preventative solution still hasn't been coming out. Cyberbullying awareness is at an all-time high, so governments all over the world should come forward to prevent it.

 

 

In a nutshell, above mentioned cyberbullying statistics and facts, it is high time to take significant measures to control it. Global awareness must be raised, and many social media platforms can take part to stop it as well. For example, on Facebook, photos, and comments can be reported, and the specific user can be blocked. Other social media websites or applications can similarly write systems.

Furthermore, it's essential to teach the children about cyberbullying, its negative aspects and prevent it. After all, education is the only practical solution as always.