Running head: A NEW ABUSE IN THE MODERN WORLD 1

A new abuse in the modern world

Chuan Kangyi (B1302364)
HELP University

A NEW ABUSE IN THE MODERN WORLD 2

A new abuse in the modern world
In this era of technology, bullying is no longer limited to the bona fide. The rapid
growth of internet technology critically triggers cyberbullying among people of all ages
especially students and teens. Cyberbullying is harassing that happens when electronic
innovation are utilize. Electronic engineering incorporates gadgets and devices, for example,
cell phones , tablets, pdas including social media, messages and site. Cases of cyberbullying
include, mean or hate messages sent by email or posted in social Medias. These problems can
occur without the right guidance by parents and lack of guidance from parents or teachers
about cyber ethics and law that must be follow so that online users can enjoy a safe online
experience. A survey study by Li (2006) 264 students from three junior high schools was
conducted. Almost half of them were victims and a quarter of them had been bullied online or
still being bully. The majority of victims did not report it to their parents or higher authority
for fear that it will cause more harm to them. This study shows how alarming cyberbullying
is that begins as early as children in the primary school. Proactive measurements need to be
implemented so that cyberbullying can be stop and a social media friendly environment can
be created to make sure teens enjoy their life to the fullest and no harm is intend
Generally, cyberbullying happens for the same reason as other types of bullying. It
can be more interesting as cyberbully can keep them anonymous from people or friends. The
cyber world does not require a bully to face their victims, so the bullies will think they are
invincible and would not be caught by higher authority for their actions and misbehaviour.
According to a research done by (Suler, n.d. ) anonymity can cause people to say things they
did not intend or will not say in real life communication.
Peer pressure also contributes to the growing case of cyberbullying in the world. For
example, a kid cyberbully his victim because all of his friends and peers are doing the same
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thing because he fear that they will not accept him for who he is and instead will mock and
bully him. As a result, the kid will leave his sensibleness behind and make poor judgement
prior to his actions. A survey done by (Mc Guckin & Conor, 2011) which involves 100 teens
state that 28% of them bully others for entertainment purpose or simply out of boredom.
Teens will sometimes make fun of their friends without thinking about the consequences to
add some thrill and excitement in their live. Lack of love and attention from parents or love
ones can cause teens to cyberbully others to gain attention and courtesy from their own
parents. As a result, cyberbullying is their only source of entertainment to get the attention
they are craving from their parents.
On the other hand, cyberbullying can cause several severe effects to the cyberbullying
victims. One of the main effects of cyberbullying is victims feel disinterested in anything
related to school. The victims will have a higher record or number of absence from class
compare to their peers and normal students. They will not be able to concentrate in studies
and school life because the constant thinking and reminder of them being cyberbullied. The
victims may feel too depressed and sad cause by the negative saying and comments they
received online. Eventually, it will cause their grades in school to drop because they cannot
pay full attention in class and studies. And in some cases, the victims will drop out of school
and it will affect their future and the rest of their life. The aftermath of cyberbullying also see
victims being scared to face the real world and often feel insecure and powerless.
( Harpaz, 2010 ) suggest that there is a strong connection between depression and
bullying. Cyberbullying can cause serious hurt and depression among the victims. They will
have self-low esteem because of the bullying that occur to them and disinterested in
continuing their life. Victims spend less time and things they once are interested and spend
less time with their families and love ones. In some cases, the thought of suicide may occur
because they feel worthless and powerless being bullied. (Harrington, 2004) also stated that
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most of the suicide cases reported are usually link with depression and low self-esteem of an
individual. It can cause many hurt to their family members and for parents knowing that their
child died because of cyberbullying is inhumane.
Victims of cyberbullying will feel vengeful and full of hatred cause by the bullying.
The victims may feel angry because of the constant humiliation they face from their friends.
They may take revenge by cyberbullying someone else to let their rage and anger they long
hidden in their heart and may engage in retaliation. Seeking revenge will not solve the
problem but instead worsen it and the cynical cycle continues. By cyberbullying others, the
victims will feel justice is serve and a sense of relief. Most of the time, they will target
victims that are weaker than them or more vulnerable to them to get a feel of what it is like to
bully people and they might enjoy the process of bullying someone.
Several measurements should take place to prevent cyberbullying among teens.
Parents play a significant role in raising and bringing up their children. If parents sense
something is wrong with their children they should take action about it to try to solve their
problem and misery. Parents should control and monitor their teens online activities to make
sure that they are not harm and being cyberbullied. Among the common signs of teens being
cyberbullied are they seem depressed or angry after looking at their mobile devices and not
interested in the things they once love doing. Parents can console their child and save the
evidence to be reported to a higher authority. In this time, parents should use their wisdom
and knowledge to solve the problem. Working with your teen and the public can solve the
problem as soon as possible and minimise the damage.
Furthermore, teens can prevent being cyberbullied by ignoring the hate messages send
to them. Teens must learn to resist the urge to reply the message and take some time to cool
down before thinking of the necessary action needed to solve this problem. Replying the
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cyberbully message is like fighting fire with fire as it cannot solve the matter and
eventually will make it worse. To make it worse, the person who is being bullied replying the
message by threatening or harassing may look like the cyberbully. All a cyberbully wants is
just a reaction from the victim to affirm his/her sense of control or power of the situation. As
a result of ignoring the cyberbully, the bully will feel bored and slowly give up bullying.
School is where teens spend most of the time studying and mingling around with
friends. Cyberbullying may take place at home but the effects can be clearly visible at school.
As a result, majority of a school are urge to emphasis the teaching of cyber law and the right
cyber ethics to the children and the future generation. It is important to educate so that teen
will know how to control themselves online and can further prevent cyberbullying. Teachers
should also not be afraid to intervene when they see cyberbullying happen and quickly report
it to the authority. It is important to further address the case so that authority can take action
to solve the problem. Schools are also urge to establish partnership with parents and
community group so that when cyberbullying among students occur it will be easier for the
teachers to communicate with their parents. Teachers can also help to give counselling to the
victims of cyberbullying to help them with the after effect of being cyberbullied. If this does
not work, then seeking professional advice is the best option.
To sum it all up, cyberbullying is a serious issue and if it is not handle with proper it
can cause many negative consequences both for the victim and the cyberbully. Cyberbullying
can also affect the victims self-confidence and in some worse cases, suicide. Parents, teachers
and law enforcers should work hand in hand to solve this problem to ensure that teens lead a
healthy and stress free life in their school. As awareness of cyberbullying increases, hopefully
it can be stop to ensure a friendly environment social media for teens and the next generation.
.
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Outline



I. Introduction

A. Opener:

B. Thesis statement: The rapid growth of internet technology critically triggers
cyberbullying among people of all ages especially students and teens
II. Cyberbullying happens for the same reason as other type of bullying.
A. Causes of cyberbullying

1. anonymity from public

2. peer pressure
3. lack of love and attention from parents

III. Cyberbullying can cause several effects to the victims
A. Causes of cyberbullying

1. disinterested in school

2. depression
3. vengeful and hatred
IV. Several measurements need to take place to prevent cyberbully
A. Methods to prevent cyberbullying

1. role of parents in handling the situation

2. ignoring the message sent

3. actions from the school

V. Conclusion:


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References
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Harrington, R. (2001). British Medical Bulletin. Depression, suicide and deliberate self-harm
in adolescence. Retrieved July 2, 2014, from
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Suler, J. (n.d.). Psychology of Cyberspace - The Online Disinhibition Effect. Psychology of
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