Jessica’s Blog
REALITY OF CYBERBULLYING
Ever been bullied? Physically? Verbally? That’s what most people think of when someone says bullying. But have you ever been bullied online? When you can’t see the bully? Maybe on twitter, facebook, email or over MSN? This is cyberbullying and it needs to be stopped.
Cyberbullying has become a serious problem for young people and can cause long-term damage to victims and bullies. It can be worse than other types of bullying because the bully may be anonymous or meaner than they would be in person, and the bullying can come at any time and in any place.
Cyberbullying is related to short and long term problems for the victims and the bullies, such as depression, anxiety, poor school attendance and performance, and feeling fear and mistrust toward others.
RAISE AWARENESS OF EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING
It is important to stop cyberbullying and get help for the victims and the perpetrators. Cyberbullies shouldn’t be able to get away with harassing, tormenting and hurting people mentally for what, fun?
Cyberbullies don’t understand that real people with real feelings and emotions are being hurt by their actions. If they knew how it felt to be the victim of cyberbullying they would think before getting involved.
In the UK, the most recent stats show that over 40% of young people have experienced cyberbullying. That could include your family, your friends or even your little brother or sister.
Most of them don’t so anything about it and try to ignore it, hoping it will go away. They don’t want to tell or talk about it with anyone. They feel too ashamed and too embarrassed. But this NEEDS TO STOP. No one needs to suffer this alone.
NEED ADVICE?
If you need help, call the Cybersmile advice line or go to the Help and Guidance section of their charity web site, www.cybersmile.org . Parents can come to the site and find out more about what is happening with their kids online and learn how to fight back against the bullies.
Help spread the message and support this wonderful charity who are committed to stopping online hate and cyberbullying. Whatever you can do will help, even if it is just buying a wristband. Get involved and make a difference with Cybersmile.
BE BUDDIES NOT BULLIES.