The Rise Of Cyber Bullying

The act of cyber bullying is increasing with the ascending usage of the internet by the children of today's generation. The US-based Pew Internet & America Life project have studied that one-third of American teen internet users have become targets of cyber bullies. Cyber bullying often occur in many online communication sites such as chatrooms. These young teens are the main, and eas,y targets of such undesirable acts. According to a research firm, cyber bullying is even worse than physical bullying due to the fact that there is a sheer number of people who are able to view whatever that is posted online. The victim would usually feel distressed and devasted because of the embarassment that was showered upon him. With cyber bullying occuring 24/7, it is hard for one to overcome the stress.

There has been many cases of children as young as 13 years of age commiting suicide as they were unable to cope with the pressure, such as the incident that happened to Gail Jones. The 15 year old Briton commited suicide after recieving 20 phone calls on her mobile every 30 minutes. The calls had driven her over the edge, leading to suicide. At one point, cyber bullying may also lead to paranoia. Anonymity is an advantage to the bully as they are able to stay unknown and taunt one at the same time. So the victim will never know who is the one bullying him/her. It could be their bestfriend, a sibling and etc. Plus, bullying online means that there is no visual contact, thus more extreme behaviour are able to be done. No one will know that you have caused a life. You will not be caught or charged for the act of crime you have cimmited.

In my opinion, cyber bullying that goes as bad as one commiting suicide is equals to one literally stabbing another to death. Extreme cyber bullying is also a crime and I believe that police must take action. When death caused by another's reckless act occurs, in my opinion it is a major crime. If the police choose not to take them seriously just because this problem occurs online, then it reflects alot about the country and how careless they are about their own community.

Many articles and sites have been brought up in attempt to stop cyber bullying. Many have helped by simply putting up articles to remind internet users to be safe when online and take precautions when communicating with strangers through chatrooms, etc. Websites such as www.stopcyberbullying.org are also great as they explain alot about cyber bullying and the many actions we can take to stop cyber bullying from happening to ourselves.

Name: Nur Syazana (16)
Class: 3F
Date: 14 June 2008