Understanding cyberbullying:

  

Understanding cyberbullying:

Cyberbullying refers to bullying that takes place over digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. It can happen through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else, often with the intent to hurt, embarrass, or harass.

Types of Cyberbullying:

Harassment: This involves sending offensive, hurtful, or derogatory messages to a person continuously. It can happen on any platform such as social media, emails, or text messages.

Denigration (Dissing): Posting false or harmful content about someone with the aim of damaging their reputation. This often includes sharing doctored images or spreading rumors.

Impersonation: Someone hacks or creates fake accounts in the name of a victim, sending messages that cause harm, embarrassment, or confusion to others on behalf of the victim.

Outing: Sharing someone’s personal, private, or embarrassing information, such as personal photos or messages, with the public without their consent.

Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from an online group, chat, or game, which may cause feelings of isolation or rejection.

Cyberstalking: Persistent and malicious monitoring or communication with the victim, often causing severe emotional distress or fear for one’s safety.

Infographic:

Cyberbullying by the Numbers:

 USA statistic:

Percentage of Teens Affected: Over 37% of teens between ages 12-17 have experienced cyberbullying at least once.

Most Common Platforms: Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are the top spaces where cyberbullying occurs.

Types of Harmful Content: 48% of victims report receiving mean or hurtful comments, while 21% have had false information posted about them.

Age Group Most Affected: 15 to 17-year-olds are the most frequent targets.

Gender Differences: Girls are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying compared to boys.

Further Reading:

Impact of Cyberbullying on Mental Health

Cyberbullying: Legal Frameworks and Prevention

Research on Long-Term Consequences of Cyberbullying in Adolescence