Cyberbullying is intentional and repeated harm inflicted on people through the use of computers, cellular telephones, and other electronic devices. Cyberbullies often mock, harass, threaten, or humiliate others through electronic messages, images, or video. Cyberbullying may occur among people of all ages. However, the term is most commonly used to describe the behaviors as they occur among school-age children, especially teenagers.
Bullying has long been common among adolescents. However, today some bullies may use computer technology to expand the reach and extent of their harm. Cyberbullying occurs most often where teenagers congregate online.
Since the first decade of the 2000’s, young people have been especially drawn to social networking websites, such as Myspace and Facebook, and video-sharing websites, such as YouTube. This trend has led to increased reports of cyberbullying in those environments. Instant messaging and text messaging are also common environments in which cyberbullying occurs. Instant messaging (IM) enables computer users to quickly exchange brief spoken or typed messages, images, or video files. Text messaging is the sending and receiving of short typed messages via cellular phones or similar handheld devices. Cyberbullies have used these technologies to send threats, spread rumors, or otherwise harass their targets.
Because many modern electronic devices include cameras, young people have used digital photographs for cyberbullying. Adolescents can easily take photographs of others in private or embarrassing situations. They can then distribute the images online. Some young people have recorded unauthorized videos of classmates and uploaded them to the internet for others to rate, discuss, and tag. Tags are labels used to help users categorize, organize, and search for videos or photographs.
Cyberbullying also occurs with online videogames and other interactive websites. As technology evolves, the nature and forms of cyberbullying will change.
Bullying in general is difficult enough to deal with. But cyberbullying can be even more challenging because of several unique features. First, victims of cyberbullying sometimes do not know who the bully is, or why they are being targeted. Cyberbullies can easily disguise their identity. Many e-mail services, websites, and online games do not require people to use their real names. It is relatively easy to use a fake name on these websites.
Second, the hurtful actions of a cyberbully often “go viral”—that is, a large number of people can be involved in a cyberattack on a victim. Many people can find out about the incident over the internet and join in by sharing the content and adding hurtful comments of their own. The content can potentially reach throughout a school, neighborhood, or even the world. The victim may feel as though the whole world is “in on” the joke.
Third, because cyberbullying can be done from a physically distant location, the bully doesn’t see the immediate response from the target. Some cyberbullies do not recognize the serious harm they are causing because they are isolated from the victim’s response.
Finally, many parents may not have the technological skills to keep track of what their children are doing online. As a result, a victim’s experience may be missed and a bully’s actions may be left unchecked. Even if cyberbullies are identified, many adults are unprepared to adequately respond. Many adults have not grown up with computer technology as an important part of their lifestyle, as many younger people have. Consequently, many adults may not be able to relate to the problem of cyberbullying. In addition, many adults have not been properly trained or equipped to address the problem.
However, experts consider open communication between children and trusted adults, especially parents, teachers, and counselors, as one of the most important ways to address cyberbullying. Schools and communities can also help by monitoring and setting restrictions on the abusive behavior.
