Cyberbullying

It is an indisputable fact that humankind is, by nature, capable of the most hurtful and harmful actions towards others. This manifests in a number of ways, including the phenomenon commonly known as bullying. With the rising popularity of mobile telephones for communication, this form of asocial behavior is also being evidenced in on-line social interaction, both during one-on-one communication and on public social media platforms. This behavior should not be tolerated in society, and should be vigorously opposed. This essay will initially identify the most common forms of cyberbullying, thereafter discuss its reported prevalence among school-going youth in the United States of America and conclude with preventative interventions suggested

Importantly, with the advent of the digital age and the increasing usage of the internet, and in particular due to the rising popularity of the use of mobile telephones for social interaction, this form of asocial behavior has found its way into on-line social contexts. In this regard, an undated article published by the United States of America’s Department of Health and Human Services cites Smith, P. K., Mahdavi, J., Carvalho, M., Fisher, S., Russell, S. and Tippett, N. as describing cyberbullying thus: “An aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself.”

The concept of cyberbullying as a recognized form of asocial behavior is universally condemned, has no place in society and should be combatted. This paper will define the phenomenon and present examples of typical malevolent behaviors commonly reported, provide statistics indicating the problem in America, and inform regarding suggested prevention

Available literature also clearly reveals that growing awareness among concerned parties, both government, and non-government, has resulted in the design, development and implementation of various programs, policies and procedures to aggressively combat as well as ameliorate the effects of cyberbullying. This includes counselling and victim support programs aimed at helping those traumatized by acts of cyberbullying. And equally importantly, on educating the youth on the potential consequences of their harmful behavior were they to initiate or participate in cyberbullying