CYBER-BULLYING

                                            

25 April 2022 

 BULLYING

 Though different in terms of exhibiting, be it verbal, physical, or cyber- the underlying intention is the same- to hurt someone, take advantage of them, or cause them harm. It is crucial to understand that an isolated instance of bullying cannot be categorized as ‘bullying’. The mistreatment must involve harmful behavior that is repetitive in nature. This does not imply that single instances of mistreatment or harassment is not harmful or should be tolerated as bullying is nothing but harassment taken to the next level because the pattern of harassment is being repeated. In fact, the reason why it becomes traumatic, emotionally and psychological damaging to the victims is because it is repetitive. The victims end up developing a relationship with their bullies. Although dysfunctional, this relationship takes over their lives as roles of submissive (victims) and dominant (bullies).

 

CYBER-BULLYING

In Today’s world, where we cannot blink an eye without coming across technology and while we all know the benefits of living in a technology, disbenefit of technology is not far behind in the race. Cyber-bullying is a multi-faceted concept.

To put it simply, Cyber-bullying refers to the misuse of technology, information with the intention of hurting someone or deceit. Often, people consider only hacking as a form of Cyber-bullying. True, hacking is a type, however there are other forms too. Even something as small as posting a comment on someone’s post, creating a negative environment, shaming someone online, spreading malicious rumor, is considered cyber-bullying. With everyone being so caught up on social media, or Social Networking sites, Cyber-bullying is very common in our everyday scenario and often goes neglected by authorities.

Social media makes it easier for the bullies to initiate and strengthen a dysfunctional relationship between victims and bullies as it gives more opportunities and avenues to bullies to harass their victims. Though not explicitly implied in the definition, there is an imbalance of power in cyberbullying cases/situations. While power in traditional bullying might be via physical (stature) or social (wit or popularity), online power stems from the proficiency with or the knowledge or possession of some content (information, pictures, or video) that is used to cause/inflict harm. Anyone with these possessions within a certain online content has power which can be wielded through some form of cyber bullying.

Researchers have observed that most of the bullying takes place between the period of adolescents and young adult life. However, it does not negate the other age groups. In fact, behavior pattern of bullies can be identified in early childhood. Living in century where technology plays such a crucial role, easy access to technology just encourages and creates a conducive environment that promotes such behavior.

 

 

CONSEQUENCES OF CYBER-BULLYING

·       Cyberbullying victims are more likely to suffer Depressive symptoms and of Anxiety, behavioral and social adjustment problems, and consumption of drugs, alcoholism, suicide.

·  The victims of Cyberbullying have depleted of self-esteem, self-confidence, deteriorating academic results, and diminished social relationships.

·       Many Cyberbullying casualties can turn into stalkers.

·       CB produces feelings of anger, anger, sadness, frustration and defenselessness in the victims.

·       Cyber-aggressors are more likely to have moral disconnect, lack of empathy, personality and antisocial behavior, absenteeism school, consumption of drugs and criminal behavior

WAYS TO STOP CYBERBULLYING

·       Be aware of signs and situation that can be categorised as Harassment and Bullying.

·       Awareness programs on the issue.

·       Share your experiences with other people, trustworthy authority figures.

·       Parental guidance for use of internet and technology

·       Be aware of the networks and sites that your dependent is visiting/using

·   Being a part of the issue – forwarding messages/rumors, images/ misinformation that are sent with malicious intent.

·       If you encounter a bullying situation – block all contact with the bully.

·       Be careful with the information you put out for the world to read.

·       Don’t share passwords, personal information with anyone.

·   Never meet anyone online – face to face. If you do, take a parental/authority figure along.

·       Avoid forming relationships through social media or online correspondence.

·     Most importantly, if you ever witness or encounter a situation with bullies, REPORT it formally.

So, in today's post we looked at the basic concept of bullying, cyber-bullying, consequences and ways to stop the bullying at your level. Various other things are linked to the initiation, process, consequences of bullying that one has to be aware of.