Cyber Bullying in High School
Aby Kuruvilla
July 2, 2013

Cyber Bullying in High schools

As advancement of technology increases with items such as smart phones, tablets and laptops for the use of social media sites over the past several years, so has the incidence of harassment and bullying with teens. New technologies offer beneficial as well as consequential opportunities for social connections and communication in a given community as across the world. According to “stopbullying.gov”, cyber bullying is referred to as “bullying that takes place using electronic technology… includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.” (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2011). While cyber bullying in high school is an easy way for bullies to attack their victims without having to be seen, it continues to be a serious problem among teenagers and should be strongly combated.
Cyber bullying occurs in many different forms such as cruel and harsh messages via emails and texts messages, posting vicious messages and pictures on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace etc. Other forms include making unwanted and negative statements in chat rooms, and even breaking into someone else’s personal accounts to send damaging messages to hurt them or someone else. (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2004)
Who Does Cyber bullying Affect?
According to the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior survey approximately 16.2 % of high school students have reported to have been electronically bullied within the past 12 months, where girls were twice as likely to have been the victim as compared to boys. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013). According to the American Journal of Public Health Cyber bullies attack anonymously as well as to a large audience, which may decrease their feelings of responsibility and accountability while not in direct contact with their victims. (Schneider, O'Donell, Stueve & Coulter, 2012).
Effects of Cyber Bullying
Teens being bullied are more likely to experience psychological issues such as anxiety depression, loneliness, unhappiness and poor sleep patterns as described by Jennifer N. Caudle, DO and AOA board-certified family physician and director of Family Medicine at Sinai Hospital, Internal Medicine Division, in Baltimore. Many teens try to hide their emotions of being bullied due to embarrassment and fear of more oppressive behavior. As a result, many appear to be more anxious and less confident which may lead to the use of drug and alcohol, skipping school, or unwillingness to attend school, and poorer test grades, which may ultimately lead severe decline in their academic success. (American Osteopathic Association, 2012). Other research have shown students to have suicidal thoughts, and in extreme cases have attempted suicide.
Victims often feel overwhelmed, as though they are in situations where they have no control. They find difficulty feeling safe since the bullying can take place through technology at any given time of the day. Since making friends are a big part of life at this age, teens tend to feel isolated during these occurrences, as it leads to being blacklisted from social events and activities. Other dispositions that are consistent with victims of cyber bullying may include feeling ill, such as headaches, stomachaches, or other physical illness influenced by the increased stresses that are inflicted. Over time these have been seen to lead to hopelessness, in which the only outlet of such pain is through ending their lives for relief. (Gordon).
Signs of Cyber Bullying
Most teens who are involved in cyber bullying are unwilling to report and/or involve a parent, teacher or authorities due to fear of computer privileges being revoked or feeling shameful of others who will find out. Signs that parents and teachers should look for may include emotional affliction after being online or on the phone, alienation from friends and activities including group activities, hiding online activities from others, decrease in academic achievements with increased behaviors toward others and changes in sleep, appetite and mood patterns. (New, 2012). As Cyber Bullying continues to be under reported, statistics show that “Fewer than 1 in 5 cyber bullying incidents are reported to law enforcement.” The Cyber bullying Research Center reported that, “About half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10 to 20 percent experience it regularly.” (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2004)
Preventing Cyber Bullying
There is no full proof method to prevent the occurrence of cyber bulling, but there are a few helpful methods that can help decrease the risk factors such as observing online activities that are conducted either on the home computer or on a cell phone and or tablet. Inform teens that while privacy should be respected, checking of cell phones, text messages, emails and social networking sites may occur if suspicion arises. Setting clear expectations for the child, such as proper etiquette of the usage of mobile devices and social media as well as the consequences involved for mis-use. Encourage children to inform parents if there is any type of cyber bullying occurring in their surroundings while explaining that their cell phones or computer will not be taken away if they confide in you. Engage in open conversations regarding cyber bullying, and explain that nothing should be shared online that would be embarrassing to anyone. Inform kids to keep their passwords safe, and not to share them with friends which may compromise their security. (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2004)
Conclusion
Cyber bullying continues to be an extreme concern in our communities as it causes damage to emotions, self-confidence and psychological stability of the victims involved. As teen bullies feel fearless while attempting to be anonymous, more victims should report such crimes to the respective authorities to avoid further complications. To help with the fight against cyber bullying parents and teachers should continue to monitor teens for possible signs and symptoms, and engage in open conversations and encourage positive reinforcement. As technology continues to evolve the status of cyber bulling has potential to develop as well, if nothing is done to prevent it. While cyber bullying in high school is an easy way for bullies to attack their victims without having to be seen, it continues to be a serious problem among teenagers, which should be strongly dealt with.

References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013, May 8). The Extent of Cyberbullying Among High
Schools Students. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/260136.php.

American Osteopathic Association. (2012). Cyber-bullying and its effect on our youth . Retrieved from http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/cyber-bullying.aspx

Cyberbullying Research Center. (2004). Bullying statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html

Gordon, S. (n.d.). What are the effects of cyberbullying?. Retrieved from http://bullying.about.com/od/Cyberbullying/a/What-Are-The-Effects-Of-Cyberbullying.htm

New, M. (2012, January). cyberbullying. Retrieved from kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/cyberbullying.html

Schneider, S. K., O'Donell, L., Stueve, A., & Coulter, R. (2012). Cyberbullying, school bullying, and psychological distress. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757256

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2011). What is cyberbullying?. Retrieved from http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/.