The Issue
Cyber bullying
How does it impact on family life ?
Cyber space has become the new avenue for bullies to reach their victims. Cyber bullying is increasing at an alarming rate and the affects have become a ubiquitous phenomenon, impacting on the well-being of individuals and their families (Geban, 2013). Cyber bullying refers to bullying through information and communication technology mediums such as mobile phones, text messaging, emails, internet chat rooms and the latest trend - social networking sites for example, twitter or face book (Webster, 2010). When these forms of communications are used to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others it becomes a serious problem that can affect more than just the victim (Geban, 2013).
Cyber bullying
How does it impact on family life ?
Cyber space has become the new avenue for bullies to reach their victims. Cyber bullying is increasing at an alarming rate and the affects have become a ubiquitous phenomenon, impacting on the well-being of individuals and their families (Geban, 2013). Cyber bullying refers to bullying through information and communication technology mediums such as mobile phones, text messaging, emails, internet chat rooms and the latest trend - social networking sites for example, twitter or face book (Webster, 2010). When these forms of communications are used to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others it becomes a serious problem that can affect more than just the victim (Geban, 2013).
Cyber bullying can be very damaging to adolescents and teens, leading to anxiety, depression and even suicide (Bullying statistics, 2013). All of which can cause a negative ripple effect on their surrounding family members. Talcott Parson’s ‘onion’ principle of family structure can help explain why this ripple effect occurs, as an individual’s closest layers are the ones most likely to witness and experience the emotions or behavior the victim may go through (Cheal, 2002).
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying has taken bullying to the next level. Experts believe cyber bullying is even more harmful than the typical schoolyard bullying as victims can be reached anytime, anywhere (Webster, 2010). With most modern day homes having at least one computer and internet access today’s children are accessible where they previously were able to seek refuge (Australian Bureau of statistics, 2014). Even if technology devices are turned off the messages sent by the tormentor appear as soon as the victim opens up a site such as their email or twitter account.
Cyber bullying has taken bullying to the next level. Experts believe cyber bullying is even more harmful than the typical schoolyard bullying as victims can be reached anytime, anywhere (Webster, 2010). With most modern day homes having at least one computer and internet access today’s children are accessible where they previously were able to seek refuge (Australian Bureau of statistics, 2014). Even if technology devices are turned off the messages sent by the tormentor appear as soon as the victim opens up a site such as their email or twitter account.
Features that separate cyber bullying from traditional bullying include:
- Messages and images can be sent instantly and viewed by many individuals.
- Social interactive technologies attract bullies as there is no face-to face confrontation.
- It is no longer just a few kids in the school yard who are witnesses to these events.
- It is difficult to remove as it is shared online so it can be recorded and saved in different places (Australian human rights commission, 2011).
What does cyber bullying look like?
Most victims of cyber bullying suffer shame, embarrassment, anger, depression and withdrawal. Academic performances might drop, self esteem can decrease, they may lose interest in school and feel a deep sense of loneliness (Stop cyber bullying, 2014). All of which can lead to victims resorting to extreme measures. This can result in victims seeking revenge or taking their own lives (Stop cyber bullying, 2014).
This following YouTube presentation provides an insight into what cyber bullying looks like while demonstrating how its effects are similar to a virus. It was created by Strutt Central (2012), to be used by young teenage girls. It is aimed at creating social awareness of the severity of cyber bullying and allows it viewers to understand how easily cyber bullying can and does become out of hand. Strutt Central (2012) is a company that employs young models and prides itself on promoting positive self imaging to all who are connected to their company either by employment or entertainment.
Most victims of cyber bullying suffer shame, embarrassment, anger, depression and withdrawal. Academic performances might drop, self esteem can decrease, they may lose interest in school and feel a deep sense of loneliness (Stop cyber bullying, 2014). All of which can lead to victims resorting to extreme measures. This can result in victims seeking revenge or taking their own lives (Stop cyber bullying, 2014).
- Facts about cyber bullying :
- Girls are twice as likely as boys to be subjected to cyber bulling.
- 1 In 10 Australian teenagers experience cyber bullying.
- One third of those who are exposed to cyber bullying do not report it.
- Sending anonymous, mean or threatening emails.
- Spreading rumours through social networks.
- Setting up fake social networking accounts using real photos and contact details.
This following YouTube presentation provides an insight into what cyber bullying looks like while demonstrating how its effects are similar to a virus. It was created by Strutt Central (2012), to be used by young teenage girls. It is aimed at creating social awareness of the severity of cyber bullying and allows it viewers to understand how easily cyber bullying can and does become out of hand. Strutt Central (2012) is a company that employs young models and prides itself on promoting positive self imaging to all who are connected to their company either by employment or entertainment.
How does cyber bullying impact on families?
On Tuesday the 19th of July 2011 Daani Sanders took her own life after being continually cyber bullied. Sadly Danni’s story is just one of numerous stories where kids who felt like their only way of escaping abusive bullies was to commit suicide. While this is an extreme example of how families can be affected by cyber bullying it is unfortunately a very realistic one. Danni’s family like many others who have been in this situation was left questioning what they could have done differently. Blame is often laid when a suicidal death of someone close leaves loved ones confused and even angry as they question why they did not recognise the signs (Stark, 1994). According to Marie Newman (2011), signs of cyber bullying can be difficult to detect as children and adolescences spend more time texting, gaming or using social-networking websites. However families are often affected as the child can seem withdrawn, upset or outraged after texting or being online, and may avoid formerly enjoyable social situations (Dimarco & Newman, 2011).
The following two links demonstrate how families can be affected by cyber bullying when their child is either the victim or the bully. Both articles display how two mothers take the matter of cyber bullying into their own hands. The two separate articles give an insight to the intended audience (families) how parents are not prepared to sit idly by and allow their children to either be cyber bullied or be the cyber bully. The authors of both articles went a step further and have also provided the conflict and judgments that arose in the form of the public's response to both mothers actions.
Mother names cyber bully girl, 12, who torments her daughter (2013, December 27).
Mother forces 'cyber bullying daughter' into selling her iPod and posing with a shaming poster confessing her crime (2014, January 13)
Why is cyber bullying an important topic in Education?
It is imperative that teachers, parents and communities join forces to help reduce the impact of cyber bullying (Cyber smart, 2014). With the range of technological devices at today’s youth's fingertips as well as the availability of internet access it would be impossible to stamp out cyber bullying. However there may be a smarter way to combat cyber bullying and that is through education. By teaching and demonstrating appropriate online behavior, the short and long term effects of cyber bullying and the avenues available if exposed to cyber bullying students may have a greater chance of using these strategies to help avoid or at least dismiss the negative impact cyber bullying can generate. Education is equally as important for the perpetrator as it is for the victim (Delete cyber bullying, 2013). Both need to fully understand the reasons behind cyber bullying, for example, children bully because it creates exclusion and it’s all about a struggle for achieving power and this power brings them popularity and high social status amongst their peers (Geban, 2013). According to bullying expert Dorothy Espelage (as cited in Geban, 2013), bullies and their supporters go through a peer socialisation process, they portray an image as though they are untouchable and they instill fear in those considered vulnerable.
It is imperative that teachers, parents and communities join forces to help reduce the impact of cyber bullying (Cyber smart, 2014). With the range of technological devices at today’s youth's fingertips as well as the availability of internet access it would be impossible to stamp out cyber bullying. However there may be a smarter way to combat cyber bullying and that is through education. By teaching and demonstrating appropriate online behavior, the short and long term effects of cyber bullying and the avenues available if exposed to cyber bullying students may have a greater chance of using these strategies to help avoid or at least dismiss the negative impact cyber bullying can generate. Education is equally as important for the perpetrator as it is for the victim (Delete cyber bullying, 2013). Both need to fully understand the reasons behind cyber bullying, for example, children bully because it creates exclusion and it’s all about a struggle for achieving power and this power brings them popularity and high social status amongst their peers (Geban, 2013). According to bullying expert Dorothy Espelage (as cited in Geban, 2013), bullies and their supporters go through a peer socialisation process, they portray an image as though they are untouchable and they instill fear in those considered vulnerable.