Cyberbullying

            Bullying has been an issue for longer than we can even imagine. There is also a significant difference between what bullying was before and what bullying is now. Before, bullying was mainly physical, especially for boys. Nowadays, bullying has taken a turn for the worse. A word that comes up frequently is “cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying consists mainly of teens and involves both boys and girls who are emotionally harassed over the internet.

Social Networking

Cyberbullying is specifically popular on social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Author Luke Gilkerson mentioned some recent statistics. He said, “88% of social media-using teens say they have seen someone be mean or cruel to another person on a social network site.”

The Future

Unfortunately, some cases of cyberbullying have turned for the worst. CBC News adds, “Cases of suicides linked to cyberbullying have grown over the past decade.” On the other hand, there is an upside to the situation. Between 2003 and 2010, CBC research showed that “the incidence increased over time, with 23 cases [56%] taking place . . . But in 2011 and the first four months of 2012, there were 18 cases of suicides with a cyberbullying link.” This is an improvement and hopefully less and less cyberbullying cases will take place in the near future.

Cyberbullying Help

Presently, there are numerous websites to help inform kids of all ages about cyberbullying. Websites such as www.endcyberbullying.org and www.cyberbullying.org are just two out of many. It is important for everyone to know the dangers of cyberbullying and to be safe while on the internet. If you or anyone else needs help, let someone know and end the cyberbullying before it goes too far.