The Internet is an essential communication tool. The power of the Internet is felt far and wide. Unfortunately, the power of the internet can be used negatively, such as in bullying. The far-reaching nature of the Internet makes this type of bullying, not only public, but also capable of affecting many people. Although one cannot physically perceive the abuse – through sight and hearing – it can have detrimental psychological effects (Rogers 112). Cyber bullying is not uncommon among the youths that use the internet, especially social media.
Social media, instant text messaging, and chat rooms are three among the most common grounds for cyber bullying. Anonymous bullying can be successfully conducted through any of these methods. While people cyber bullying is some complicated phenomenon, just a click of the mouse is all it takes to start the tormenting act. Social networking makes bullying an “instant sensation” or some kind of provocative element to the users of the sites. Private chat rooms make it possible for individuals to target “vulnerable” teenagers. Since much of the Internet associated with social networking is not monitored, the privacy and safety of the users is at stake. One remedy proposed by psychologists is to ensure parental maximal parental guidance, especially for the vulnerable groups. While teenagers may not understand the essence of privacy, the parents must take it upon themselves to guide the young ones. This way, they will avoid falling victim to online bullies.
Education – both at home and classroom – can be a key component in the prevention of cyber bullying. There can never be too much education in life. Education can help deter bullying by enabling the young internet users to be in a position to predict the outcomes of certain decisions (Rogers 89). The more a person understands particular disciplines, the better their chances of making informed decisions. Legislation by the government can help by laying down structures that will minimize bullying. Such structures can include punishing the perpetrators of such behavior. Parents can also be held accountable for their children’s actions. If consequences are made public, it is highly probable that bullying will decrease. Most criminals are deterred by understanding the dire consequences of any socially unacceptable conduct, such as bullying.
Legislation by the government to curb cyber bullying is a potent tool. While the freedom to use technology is a right to everybody, the law must be tailored to limit the extent to which people enjoy such freedom. Holding the parents responsible for the deeds of their children is a move that will push them to educate their children on the extent to which they should enjoy their online socialization (Kowalski 142). Currently, there are only four states that have passed anti-cyber-bullying laws. The states are Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Technological advancements have made cyber-bullying an easy alternative to physical abuse for most teenagers. From the foregoing, it is clear to see that the main factors behind cyber bullying are social media such as twitter, chat rooms, and text messaging. Education and awareness are the most powerful tools against the vice. The legal systems of the states should work hand in hand with the school authorities to make clear the consequences of perpetrating the vice. Such efforts will plunge this atrocity into the spotlight. For the vice to be reduced, it is only reasonable that the parents invade the privacy of their children, at least to the extent of guiding them (Kowalski 38). In conclusion, it is imperative to mention that there are three core activities required for the elimination of the vice – identifying the problem, preventing the problem, and responding to the problem in a timely manner.
Works Cited
Rogers, Vanessa. Cyberbullying: Activities to Help Children and Teens to Stay Safe in a Texting, Twittering, Social Networking World. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010. Print
Kowalski, Robin M, Sue Limber, and Patricia W. Agatston. Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Print
