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Linthicum Student’s Name Jasmin Linthicum Course Foundation Writing Professor’s Wright Date 18 Feburay 2021 Cyber-bullying Introduction Internet usage has rapidly developed to the extent of becoming fashionable and inhabitable; however, it has caused a new form of bullying known as cyber-bullying. In a nutshell, cyberbullying is an online posting of hurtful message about a person or a group (Petra, Strohmeier, and Spiel, 4). Bullying can take different forms, for instant, flaming and harassment. Flaming is a bulling involving two people, but in the end, more people take sides and hurling insults at the opposite group; let take an example of Bidden and Trump's political supporters dulling each other online.

On the other side harassment is a form that involves two people sending hurtful images, messages and memes. Cyber-bulling is an essential topic because the internet has become a social norm, and at least 80% of the users have been affected directly or indirectly. This research aims to unfold different cyberbullying forms, the problems caused by bullying and effective mitigation measures towards online bullying. The importance of the research and the gap Cyberbullying is one of the factors that have caused a lot of vice in our society countless times. Besides, cyberbullying can happen at any time, making it hard to quickly take action, especially at night (Hoff and Mitchell, 500).

Bulling is a silent killer for many teenagers. It is important to unfold the topic to educate on deferent forms, how to identify bullied kinds and some of the concrete measures that can be put in place to solve the issue. Research has been conducted on cyber-bullying; however, none of them has gone behold impacts of bullying on the participant and measures put in place. However, there is a gap in what needs to be done to solve the issue. My research intends to clearly explain the forms, direct and indirect impacts, reasons why there is an increased rate of bullying, and look at the unsettled issue of measures that can curve cyberbullying.

Research Methods Questionnaires: I intend to use open-ended questionnaires, which will involve 30 teenagers and 30 parents from various streets. The questionnaire will be suitable because it will give me 1st heard information and cover the entire population. Survey Method: The second method will be one-on-one interaction with online users from the neighbourhood to identify how frequently does bullying occurs. The survey will target social media users. Using a one-on-one survey method will ensure no ambiguity, and I can manipulate the users to give valid information.

Observation Method: I will use this method on my family members to understand their reaction when they are bullied in a span of one week. The technique will not only give me first-hand information, but also it will help me to verify information taken from other methods. Interviews: lastly, I intend to speak with cyberbullying victims by searching for victims' online and setting meetings and also interviewing my school and workmates. This will help in recording detailed and evaluated data. Work cited from Dehue, F. (2013).

Cyberbullying research: New perspectives and alternative methodologies. Introduction to the special issue. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology , 23 (1), 1-6. Gradinger, Petra, Dagmar Strohmeier, and Christiane Spiel. "Definition and measurement of cyberbullying." Cyberpsychology: Journal of psychosocial research on cyberspace 4.).

Hoff, Dianne L., and Sidney N. Mitchell. "Cyberbullying: Causes, effects, and remedies." Journal of Educational Administration (2009). Child and adolescent social work journal 34.): .

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

In an increasingly digital society, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant threat to emotional and mental well-being, particularly among teenagers. Cyberbullying, defined as the use of electronic communications to bully or harass individuals, manifests in various forms such as flaming, harassment, and exclusion (Gradinger, Strohmeier, & Spiel, 2009). It operates silently and can leave long-lasting emotional scars which are often overlooked by parents and educators. This research aims to explore the different forms of cyberbullying, its psychological impacts, and effective countermeasures to combat this growing issue.

Forms of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying takes on multiple forms, each with unique characteristics. For instance, flaming involves angry exchanges between two individuals, escalating into a larger conflict that draws in third parties (Gradinger et al., 2009). On the other hand, harassment leads to more persistent attacks—sending hurtful messages, sharing derogatory images, or spreading slanderous memes about an individual (Hoff & Mitchell, 2009). Another form is exclusion, where the bully attempts to ostracize the target from online social circles. Each of these forms can have severely detrimental effects on individuals, especially adolescents.

The Importance of Addressing Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a pressing issue, given that up to 80% of internet users encounter some form of online harassment (Hoff & Mitchell, 2009). This alarming statistic highlights the need for effective solutions and preventive measures. Additionally, the effects of cyberbullying can lead to severe psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide (Dehue, 2013). It is crucial to understand these implications to emphasize the urgency of addressing the issue.

Research Methodology

To effectively study cyberbullying, a mixed-methods approach will be adopted, incorporating various research methodologies.
1. Questionnaires: A set of open-ended questionnaires will be disseminated to 30 teenagers and their parents. This method allows direct insights from main stakeholders—teens who experience bullying and parents who are often unaware of these occurrences.
2. Survey Method: Conducting one-on-one interviews with social media users can provide valuable qualitative data on the frequency and nature of these events. This survey will target diverse user demographics, ensuring diverse perspectives.
3. Observation Method: Observing family members' behaviors concerning online interactions can offer first-hand accounts of reactions to potential bullying scenarios. Over a week-long period, data on their emotional responses will be collected.
4. Interviews: Engaging with cyberbullying victims from online platforms can yield in-depth perspectives on their experiences. Conversations with schoolmates and work colleagues will be vital to garner additional experiences and emotional narratives.

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Cyberbullying

The repercussions of cyberbullying extend beyond immediate emotional distress. Victims often report long-term effects such as decreased academic performance, declining self-esteem, and strained relationships with peers (Hoff & Mitchell, 2009). These factors contribute to a cycle of negativity that can be difficult for victims to escape. Moreover, bystanders also face repercussions, feeling helpless or guilty for not intervening (Dehue, 2013).
The indirect impacts are equally concerning. Cyberbullying can lead to increased levels of fear and anxiety within a community, further perpetuating a culture of intolerance and aggression (Gradinger et al., 2009). This not only affects the victims but also the environment in which they interact, such as schools or social circles, setting a precedent for future interpersonal relationships.

Why is Cyberbullying on the Rise?

Several factors contribute to the increasing rates of cyberbullying. Firstly, the anonymity provided by online platforms allows individuals to act without fear of repercussions. This detachment can embolden bullies to engage in harmful behaviors they may not consider in face-to-face interactions (Hoff & Mitchell, 2009).
Furthermore, the prevalence of mobile devices means that individuals, especially teenagers, have constant access to social networks, making cyberbullying omnipresent. The role of social media in normalizing aggressive behavior and promoting a culture of comparison cannot be ignored, as studies show that platforms encourage users to showcase idealized versions of their lives, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and subsequent bullying (Dehue, 2013).

Effective Mitigation Measures

The fight against cyberbullying requires combined efforts from several stakeholders—parents, educators, and policymakers.
1. Education and Awareness: Teaching children and teenagers the importance of kindness and empathy in digital communication is fundamental. Schools should adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies that include cyberbullying, aiming for an all-inclusive approach.
2. Report Mechanisms: Social media platforms must enhance their user reporting mechanisms, making it easier for victims to report harassment and for authorities or moderators to act swiftly (Hoff & Mitchell, 2009).
3. Parental Involvement: Active parental supervision and engagement in their children's online lives can lower the risks of cyberbullying. Educating parents about the digital landscape is crucial for better monitoring and communication.
4. Support Systems: Establishing support networks for victims can foster healing and resilience. Schools and community organizations should provide resources such as counseling to help victims cope with their experiences.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying represents a complex and multifaceted issue rooted in the fabric of digital communication. Understanding its forms and the detrimental effects it has on individuals and communities is crucial for fostering a safer online environment. As we continue to navigate this digital landscape, proactive measures must be implemented. The collective effort of teenagers, parents, educators, and digital platforms is essential to combat this pervasive issue effectively. Only by working together can we mitigate the risks associated with cyberbullying and empower our youth to thrive in a safer cyberspace.

References

1. Dehue, F. (2013). Cyberbullying research: New perspectives and alternative methodologies. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 23(1), 1-6.
2. Gradinger, P., Strohmeier, D., & Spiel, C. (2009). Definition and measurement of cyberbullying. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 4(1).
3. Hoff, D. L., & Mitchell, S. N. (2009). Cyberbullying: Causes, effects, and remedies. Journal of Educational Administration, 47(1), 500-514.
4. Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., & Schroeder, A. N. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073.
5. Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2010). Bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide. Archives of Suicide Research, 14(3), 224-230.
6. Brown, R. L. (2014). Interventions for Addressing Cyberbullying: Recommendations for Research and Practice. Journal of School Violence, 13(4), 411-423.
7. Rigby, K. (2013). Addressing bullying in schools: Theory and practice. International Journal of Educational Management, 27(3), 297-310.
8. Smith, P. K., & Slonje, R. (2010). Cyberbullying: An Innovative Approach to Understanding and Preventing a Growing Problem. Childhood, 17(2), 171–192.
9. Li, Q. (2010). Cyberbullying in schools: A research of students’ perspectives on the role of parents and schools. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning, 1(1), 47-50.
10. Wang, J., Iannotti, R. J., & Nansel, T. R. (2009). Cyberbullying: An examination of the emotional impact of bullying and victimization among U.S. adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(3), 346-352.