When it comes to cyber bullying, anyone can become a victim. Although a bully may target someone because of something that has been said or done to them, many times a victim is targeted for no apparent reason. In fact, in many cyber bullying situations the bully does not understand, or does not try to understand, the negative impact it may have on the victim. Often, the bully sees his or her cruel actions as funny.
Victims of cyber bullying may experience many of the same effects as those who are bullied in person. There are signs that may indicate someone is being cyber bullied. Parents who don’t understand how kids interact online may not recognize the problem, so friends and classmates can play an important role in getting help for someone who is a cyber bullying target. Signs of cyber bullying include a drop in grades, low self-esteem or confidence, a change in interests, not wanting to go online, or depression.
Cyber bullying can be far more harmful than face-to-face bullying to those victimized because it occurs anywhere and everywhere, especially through the use of cell/mobile phones. The victim may feel that there is no safe place to be. Cyber bullies, even if they are known to their target, can hide behind screen names and e-mail addresses. Not knowing who is doing the bullying can make the victim feel very insecure. Worst of all cyber bullying is far reaching. With just a few clicks or a push of a send button, a victim can be made fun of before an entire class or school, or can have embarrassing images or messages posted about them for the entire world to see on the Web.
Activity
In your group, develop what happens next in the following scenario.
Scenario: After winning a local singing contest, Isabella has been selected to participate in a nationally-televised singing competition. Social networking fan pages are set up and she suddenly gets a lot of media attention. Since Isabella has never had to worry about keeping her contact information private before, she begins to receive bullying text messages and e-mails. She notices that several classmates whom she considers to be friends are now treating her differently. Sometimes they avoid her online and offline. After Isabella’s first television appearance, several videos that make fun of her performance show up online.
Students commonly excuse their bullying by saying “it’s only a joke.” This series of lessons helps them understand the difference between humorous and hurtful, and the steps that victims can take to make an action plan against cyber bullying.
Students commonly excuse their bullying by saying “it’s only a joke.” This series of lessons helps them understand the difference between humorous and hurtful, and the steps that victims can take to make an action plan against cyber bullying.
Students commonly excuse their bullying by saying “it’s only a joke.” This series of lessons helps them understand the difference between humorous and hurtful, and the steps that victims can take to make an action plan against cyber bullying.
Students commonly excuse their bullying by saying “it’s only a joke.” This series of lessons helps them understand the difference between humorous and hurtful, and the steps that victims can take to make an action plan against cyber bullying.
Students commonly excuse their bullying by saying “it’s only a joke.” This series of lessons helps them understand the difference between humorous and hurtful, and the steps that victims can take to make an action plan against cyber bullying.