Stranger Danger: CyberBullying

Cyberbullying is defined as the repeated aggressive behaviour aimed at scaring, angering or shaming targeted individuals through with the use of digital technologies. Some of many types of cyberbullying include:

• offensive name-calling

• hurtful messages

• spreading false rumours

• receiving explicit images they didn't ask for; constant asking of where they are, what they’re doing, who they’re with, by someone other than a parent.

• physical threats

• having explicit images of them shared without consent

These instances take place over several social media platforms. The virtual nature of the situation makes it harder to identify, track and stop the bully-victims often do not know why they are targeted as well. This issue has proven to be highly damaging to one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Victims are shamed for their presence online, whereas the harasser remains anonymous and undercover, due to which the victims often feel upset, embarrassed, stupid, angry, and begin losing interest in the things they love. Moreover, they feel tired due to loss of sleep or other forms of uncomfort like stomach aches and headaches.

Social media platforms allow everybody to have an opinion about what they see online, but the subjectivity of perfection may make ones’ features unattractive to another, which is when the opinions start pouring in.

Cyberbullying does not have to be extreme to be considered wrong; the simple act of shaming an individual in a form that is not constructive can induce the worst of feelings from the victim, especially one who is a minor.

It is extremely important to prevent harmful situations of cyberbullying. One can avoid this danger by maintaining private profiles, accepting requests of or engaging in conversations with known people only, being conscious about the information that is being shared on the internet, and staying educated about harmful trends circulating social media, and reporting any case of cyberbullying occurring.