The New Age of Bullying: Recognizing and Combating Cyberbullying | A YAC Student Blog

Arnav Nallari is an 11th grader at Olentangy High School and an active member of YAC.

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that occurs online via digital platforms such as social media, email, text messaging, and online forums. It entails using the internet to threaten, harass, or intimidate someone and is on the rise, especially among young people. Because it can have a lasting impact on its victims' mental health, self-esteem, and general well-being, cyberbullying is a serious issue.

The anonymity provided by cyberbullying is one of the most disturbing parts of it. Cyberbullies can conceal their identities behind anonymous usernames, making it difficult to identify and hold them accountable for their acts. Furthermore, the internet allows bullies to distribute falsehoods or incorrect information about their victims to a large audience, which can have long-term consequences. This can result in sadness, anxiety, and other mental health problems that can linger long after the bullying has stopped.

Another important issue with cyberbullying is that it can occur at any time of day or night, making victims feel as if they are never secure from the harassment. This persistent fear and tension can have major consequences for a victim's mental health and can even cause physical symptoms like headaches and stomach troubles. It can also cause feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as a lack of trust in others.

Cyberbullying can have a bad impact on a victim's relationships as well. Victims may retreat from friends and family because they are embarrassed or ashamed of what has happened to them. Furthermore, cyberbullying can have an impact on a victim's school or work performance, resulting in worse grades or decreased productivity.

For me specifically, cyberbullying is prevalent in many different ways at my high school. Some of the media that people get cyberbullied through at my school are instagram, twitter, snapchat, and tiktok. Students use these media to create disrespectful images or videos for the purpose of bullying someone.

Cyberbullying prevention is crucial for safeguarding the safety and well-being of all individuals online. Education about safe online behavior and the necessity of treating others with respect and kindness is one strategy to prevent cyberbullying. Parents, educators, and members of the community should all play an active role in monitoring online activity and reporting any incidents of cyberbullying.

Another useful strategy is to build secure online environments that encourage pleasant interactions and healthy relationships. This can be accomplished by creating clear boundaries for online behavior, such as regulations against cyberbullying and harassment, as well as by providing resources for victims. We can ensure that everyone feels safe and appreciated in the digital world by cultivating a culture of respect and empathy.

To summarize, cyberbullying is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is critical to educate ourselves and others on responsible online behavior and to actively participate in the prevention of cyberbullying. We can work toward a future in which everyone feels respected and appreciated in the digital world by building secure online places and encouraging positive interactions.

Works Cited:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-the-effects-of-cyberbullying-460558
https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/cyberbullying-effects
https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/HealthU/2020/08/17/what-are-the-effects-of-cyberbullying