Cyberbullying is a form of bullying or harassment done on any form of electronic media. It consists of sending messages, and videos through email or posting the same on social media platforms without the consent of the individual. It mostly consists of sending hurting or embarrassing information to one individual or a group.

Victim is often unable to defend themselves. It is most prevalent among teenagers and youth, especially with the prevalence of the internet and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Cyberbullying can include threats and intimidation for example cyberbullying is when an individual constantly sends hateful, embarrassing, or false messages through Facebook to another person or just posts it publicly without the consent of another person.

CAUSES OF CYBERBULLYING

Technology has brought with it a lot of positives like fast globalization and efficient transfer of information but with it comes negatives like cyberbullying. Many circumstances cause cyberbullying as explained below;

1INTERNET ACCESS

Bullying is catalyzed by the ease of access to both electronic devices and internet connections. The many upcoming applications like Facebook may present perfect platforms for bullying others. Many young people find themselves with a lot of time on their hands, this may give room and perpetuate competition and insecurities, especially on social media platforms propelling them toward cyberbullying.

2NEED FOR DOMINANCE

Among teens, social status is of uttermost importance and they will do anything to achieve it even if it includes sending threatening or demeaning messages to assert their dominance. An example is a group of girls in high school body shaming other girls to demoralize and lower their self-esteem and hence they become an easy target to dominate.

Another example is of the most popular kids in school characterized by resources (they might have very rich or famous parents) or has good looks or even good grades, look down upon those they think of poorer backgrounds or poorer grades. They often perpetuate this prominence both physically and through Cyberspace.

3SELF ESTEEM ISSUES

Psychology proves that human beings project emotions and insecurities onto others to feel enough or comfort themselves. It is a self-defense mechanism mostly portrayed by bullies. Cyberbullies in this case will embarrass or pass mean messages or videos about the other person to protect themselves from being known, diverting attention to others. In this situation, they should seek medical care to recover from their mental health concerns.

4PEER PRESSURE

Among teens, it’s a frequent phenomenon to be a victim of Peer Pressure. This is because at this stage, friends are your social security. Others may get into cyberbullying just to fit in with a group of friends who do the same. They do it to be accepted and appreciated in social groups like at school or church. They succumb to peer pressure against their better judgment. In most instances, Cyberbullies are too engrossed in the need to fit in that they forgo the consequences or do not put them into consideration. They have a group mentality approach and do not think rationally. They believe in security in numbers. Although bullying is prevalent among teens and a lot of research and attention is also directed to that age group because of their tenuous minds, adults also face cyberbullying. It is most prevalent in the workplace and social groups. Studies show that it’s most prevalent among 18-25-year-old adults.

CYBERBULLYING AND MENTAL HEALTH

Cyberbullying has been known to be one of the leading causes of mental health complications among both teens and adults. Some cases of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues associated with cyberbullying have increased according to research done. These mental health and emotional effects also can have long-lasting effects even if the bullying has stopped.

These mental health challenges appropriated by cyberbullying, propels the victim into substance abuse, aggression and anger issues and delinquent behaviors.

HOW TO STOP A CYBERBULLY

[1] Report the bully if the bullying does not stop or is causing emotional or mental disturbance to your health one should report the cyberbullying to any authority. If underage then inform your parents or Guardians and if the victim is an adult they should report the cyberbullying to the local authorities or any support helpline locally available.

[2] Record and store as much information about the bully as possible. All transactions, messages, videos and photos, and any other information you get about the bully should be recorded. They will come in handy when needed in the future to control the situation.

[3] Do not retaliate against the bully. Most bullies want your attention and responding will only worsen the situation. If you must, then politely tell them to stop and ensure you do not send any form of signal that may portray a negative exchange of any kind to the public.

[4] Ensure all your details and information are kept personal. Your privacy plays a key role.