It is no question that bullying is a problem in many teenagers’ lives today, as bullying has been a problem for decades. However, in the more recent years, with the many advances in technology, a new type of bullying has emerged in today’s youth, referred to as cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying can be described as "when the internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” Cyber-bullying has also been defined as a teen being tormented, embarrassed, humiliated or targeted by another teen by means of the internet, or even other technologies, such as a cell phone. Cyber-bullying can include threats, sexual remarks, or even posting false statements about another individual, with the intention of humiliating the victim.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, cyber-bullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teenagers. Many teens do not realize the huge impact that their bullying can have on their victims. These teens might see their actions as harmless and do not realize the effects that their actions have on the innocent victims being targeted.
A survey of 1,500 students between grades 4-8 prepared by I-Safe.Org was reported by ABC News in 2006. The results of this survey reported that 42% of kids have been bullied while online, and one in four has had it happen more than once. Another 2006 survey, by Harris Interactive, reported that 43% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of cyber-bullying in the past year.
The reason cyber bullying is so common is due to the fact that unlike physical bullying, cyber bullies are able to remain basically anonymous and hide their identity, freeing them normal constraints on their behavior. However, in 2007, at least seven states in the United States passed laws against digital bullying. Since there are currently no specific laws that pertain to cyber-bullying, lawmakers are seeking to address cyber-bullying to new legislation.
Research has shown a number of harmful consequences due to cyber-bullying, including lowered self-esteem, and even suicide. In the United States, there are at least four examples where cyber-bullying has been linked to suicide. Taking these harmful effects of cyber-bullying into consideration, I believe there should be stricter laws against cyber-bullying. Although it may seem impossible to control what teens say and do online, the bullying and targeting of innocent victims should be a concern of the government. No teenager should feel targeted, humiliated, or embarrassed by another individual online.
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