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THE ONLINE WORLD ATTACK

BULLYING IN CYBERBULLYING

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that occurs on digital platforms such as social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and mobile phones. It is defined by repetitive actions meant to frighten, anger, or embarrass the individual being targeted. Cyberbullying includes spreading lies or rumors about someone on social media, posting humiliating images or videos of someone online, sending harsh or abusive messages, and impersonating someone online.

 

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." 

- HARVEY FEIRSTEIN 

                                                                                         

HOW CAN CYBERBULLYING IMPACT THE  MENTAL HEALTH OF MY SELF?


Cyberbullying can have a negative impact on one's mental health. Victims of cyberbullying may experience a variety of negative emotions, including shame, fear, rage, and despair. If these emotions are not managed or dealt with in a timely manner, they can have serious consequences for their mental health. Some of the most frequent mental health problems include:

  • Elevated anxiety and stress levels
  • Increased risks of depression
  • Reduced self-esteem
  • Social withdrawal
  • Concentration issue


HOW TO COMMUNICATE THE VICTIM  OF CYBERBULLYING?

If a student is being bullied online, it is critical that they do not respond to any posts or interactions, no matter how untrue or rude they were. Remember that a bully's goal is to provoke a reaction. When the victim responds, cyberbullies are pleased, which worsens the situation. Students should not seek revenge because it could land them in serious legal trouble or irritate the bully even more. Attempts to exact revenge on the bully weaken the debate and do not resolve the issue at hand. 



If you are worried, look for some of these indicators that a student was a victim of cyberbullying:

- Suicidal thoughts.
- Personality changes, for example if the student becoming angry, sad, anxious, or withdrawn.
- Sudden deterioration in physical health.
- Indications that the student is distressed or lonely.
- Chronic unexplained absenteeism.
- Enhanced negative self-perception.
- A sudden change in friends.
- Lack of focus and excessive sleepiness.
- Reduced interaction with classmates and friends.
- A decline in academic performance.
- Shunning by peers.


HOW CAN I REPORT CYBERBULLYING ?

If you or your child are being bullied online, it can be extremely frightening. You may be worried that a friend is being harassed. Remember, no one has the right to make you feel frightened. Put an end to the bullying by taking steps to cut off communication. Then you can notify the authorities and the school. You can also report abuse to various social media platforms. Finally, find ways to deal with bullying by relieving stress and feeling safe.


Send a message to the bully, telling him to stop. Ascertain that the bully understands that what they have done is inappropriate. This is unlikely to stop the bullying, but it will assist you in making your case to the authorities. Remember to save the message.
  • Keep your message brief and to the point. Write, "Please do not contact me again. I will report any emails, texts, phone calls, messages, or social media posts from you."
  • Avoid using profanity, name-calling, or all caps.
After telling the bully to stop, end communication with them. Even if you have asked the bully to stop, you may still receive messages. It's natural to want to respond and defend yourself, but don't. It may require some willpower, but you should refuse to engage.
  • Put your phone down or step away from your device. If necessary, take a walk around the block to cool off.
Block the bully. Change your email, cell phone, and social media settings so that the bully cannot contact you. This makes it more difficult for the bully to contact you. If they are still able to contact you, you will know it is time to reach the authorities.

Make copies of the bully's contacts. Do not delete messages or posts in the hope that the bullying will stop on its own. Instead, gather evidence to use when filing a report with the authorities. Make copies of all emails, messages, and posts if you have a printer.
  • Take screenshots of the bully's electronic communications. Save them to your computer or phone in a file.


"People don't realize how badly verbal harassment and cyber bullying affects you. I wish they had hit me in the face and gotten it over with, because what they said to me, sticks to me to this day. It affected me into the person that I am today. "

- DEMI LOVATO


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