Disclaimer: We in Cytrix do not support or encourage any forms or acts of Cyber-bullying. We do not intend to hurt or make fun of anything related to this topic and we have no desire to hurt any person, group or organization as a result. Everything written in this article and implied from it is for informational purposes only! This is a serious topic that may be sensitive for some people. Therefore, Viewer Discretion is Advised.
In this article we will talk about Cyberbullying.
We will answer questions such as: What is Cyberbullying? Why is this problem so serious? What forms of Cyberbullying are there? How do we prevent and deal with it?
In the past, the bullies were in the school hallways, in the gym locker rooms or at some party we would go to in a Friday night. Today, bullying has many places and faces.
Cyberbullying is a relatively new phenomenon in which the Internet is being used to defame, harass, embarrass, intimidate, or attack an individual or a group. It’s not necessarily abuse with the intention to hurt, sometimes in the eyes of the “slanderer” there is no cause for concern, but in the eyes of the victim – things may be interpreted differently. Unfortunately, there are a variety of types in which such actions can be carried out. As long as there is an offender, a victim and viewers. The viewers plays a “key role” here, if there are no viewers – is this really considered cyberbullying? The answer is YES, without a doubt. Because, in this case it’s not a case of “David and Goliath”, but a case where the “strong” hurts the “weak” in order to humiliate him.
Why is it considered a serious problem?
!Fair Warning! – Cyberbullying can be considered a Criminal Offence! Anyone who initiate any form of Cyberbullying may find himself Prosecuted and sometimes even Jailed.
- According to researches, about 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online!
- Young people (10-16 years) who accessed or shared sexual content or images of cyberbullying or violence had up to a 50% higher risk for thoughts of suicide.
- Teachers report that cyberbullying is their #1 safety concern in their classrooms, according to Google surveys.
I think at this point we have already agreed and understood how painful this issue is, but nevertheless also important for discussion.
What forms of Cyberbullying are there?
Cyberbullying has appeared in many ways, and not only among teens!
Humiliating your co-worker, underling or anyone else that works in the same place as you over the Internet is also a type of Cyberbullying. Cases where the “Quiet” employee is getting hurt by others.
- Can come in the form of uploading photos of the victim, edited or not, with captions with offensive content.
- Often, there may also be a video uploaded in which something is done to the victim, or it is filmed without their knowledge.
- There can also be cases where a group of hackers attack a certain company or organization in order to promote their ideals. Sometimes, they do it for fun.
Unfortunately, there are many more types and cases where Cyberbullying happened, but I don’t think it’s necessary to expand further.
How do we prevent and deal with it?
Probably the most important question you ask yourself after reading this article.
Well, there are several things we can do in order for this phenomenon to be reduced:
- Always be Alert – look for signs. Depressed people around you, overhearing a conversation regarding harming or making fun of someone. This is the most important thing to do in order to prevent it.
- Don’t Watch from the Sidelines – did you recognize such a case? Don’t stand by! Say something, Intervene, do everything to prevent it!
- Be Supportive – If you have heard of a person who suffered from such a case, support him! Studies have proven that people who have suffered from such cases and receive some support from the people around them, will be less inclined to harm themselves. Talk to him about it, try to encourage him. In exceptional cases, a higher authority must be notified so that he receives the appropriate mental treatment.
Again, this is a reality we have to deal with every day, this is human nature.
As technology advanced – so did the attackers.
Don’t abuse the Internet.
Stay safe, choose Cytrix.
