Some of you may ask, what is cyberbullying? Isn’t it just like bullying that most may see or experience during childhood? The simple answer is no. While bullying of any kind is a form of harassment, cyberbullying seems to have more detrimental effects on the person being bullied and the person doing the bullying.
Since the 2010s, an outcry for cyberbullying criminal statutes has occurred globally. However, in the United States, most states have not enacted laws to protect people from cyberbullying.
Many people believe cyberbullying is rare. However, studies show that 42% of the LGBTQIA+ community experience cyberbullying. 66% of the female victims of cyberbullying report feeling helpless. 33% of teenagers have sent explicit images or text to at least one other person, a federal crime.
The difference in cyberbullying is that the goal is different. The goal is not only to humiliate you but also to invade your privacy. But it does not end there. Cyberbullying can be everlasting and widespread.
There are several types of cyberbullying you should be aware of:
Harassment
Photo shaming
Video shaming
Vaguebooking
Impersonation
Creation of blogs and polls
Sending viruses or spyware
Posting rude or insulting comments about the victim in chat rooms
If you feel that you are a victim of cyberbullying:
Find someone to confide in
Notifying school administration or human resources
If explicit photos of a minor have been taken or distributed, contact the police department
If physical harm is threatened, contact the police department
Update your privacy settings on all social media accounts
Change passwords to all accounts and do not give the passwords out to anyone
Save the evidence through screenshots
Tell them to stop
Know that it is not your fault
If your child or someone you love confides in you about cyberbullying, do not stay quiet. Ask questions, offer support, gather information and evidence, and seek help.
Therapists at White Diamond Counseling can assist victims of trauma, bullying, harassment, and abuse.
The blog is written by :
Yvonne King, Intern MFT