The Impacts of Cyber Bullying
Ashley
Professor Cole
Cause and Effect Essay 2
2 February 2012 The Impacts of Cyber Bullying During the 1990s, if kids needed a way to vent about their horrible teachers or how they hated Shelby‘s new haircut, they would turn to their journals and let their pencils capture down all the events. Today, with just a click of a mouse, kids are able to invite millions into their lives; letting the whole world know how horrible Shelby looked in Math class. Kids all over the world have easy access to iPhones, computers, and other electronic devices, making it easier for kids to become vulnerable to online bullying. As a 2003-04 survey by i-SAFE.org indicates, 42% of kids have been bullied while online and 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online. Kids are increasingly becoming victims of cyber bullying, causing lowered self esteem, mental health issues, and in severe cases can trigger suicidal tendencies. Anyone is susceptible to cyber bullying and with social networking sites, like Facebook, on the rise; the need to fit in can take a toll on us mentally. According to Claudia Schwarz, a marriage and family therapist, “teens who spend a lot of time on the social networking website – and who already have low- self esteem- are vulnerable to Facebook Depression.” Reading negative comments and constantly make comparisons with others on Facebook can cause a downward spiral fast. Schwarz says, “Parents need to help teens understand that Facebook Depression is a serious problem.” She urges parents to manage their kids’ time online, so it doesn’t affect other things such as school or homework. Depression can come in all types of forms; recognizing the signs in others and one’s self can greatly make an impact on the society as a whole. Apart from mental health issues, cyber bullying has been known to cause suicidal tendencies. One notable incident was that of Phoebe Prince, a
Professor Cole
Cause and Effect Essay 2
2 February 2012 The Impacts of Cyber Bullying During the 1990s, if kids needed a way to vent about their horrible teachers or how they hated Shelby‘s new haircut, they would turn to their journals and let their pencils capture down all the events. Today, with just a click of a mouse, kids are able to invite millions into their lives; letting the whole world know how horrible Shelby looked in Math class. Kids all over the world have easy access to iPhones, computers, and other electronic devices, making it easier for kids to become vulnerable to online bullying. As a 2003-04 survey by i-SAFE.org indicates, 42% of kids have been bullied while online and 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online. Kids are increasingly becoming victims of cyber bullying, causing lowered self esteem, mental health issues, and in severe cases can trigger suicidal tendencies. Anyone is susceptible to cyber bullying and with social networking sites, like Facebook, on the rise; the need to fit in can take a toll on us mentally. According to Claudia Schwarz, a marriage and family therapist, “teens who spend a lot of time on the social networking website – and who already have low- self esteem- are vulnerable to Facebook Depression.” Reading negative comments and constantly make comparisons with others on Facebook can cause a downward spiral fast. Schwarz says, “Parents need to help teens understand that Facebook Depression is a serious problem.” She urges parents to manage their kids’ time online, so it doesn’t affect other things such as school or homework. Depression can come in all types of forms; recognizing the signs in others and one’s self can greatly make an impact on the society as a whole. Apart from mental health issues, cyber bullying has been known to cause suicidal tendencies. One notable incident was that of Phoebe Prince, a