Cyber Bullying

Is Cyber-bullying an Ever-expanding Dilemma?

William D. Bracket

Mercy College

Abstract

Cyber-bullying is a growing phenomenon that is commonly experienced amongst young people. It shares many of the same attributes as face-to-face bullying such as helplessness and imbalance of power. However, the humiliation caused to the victims of cyber-bullying is amplified due to the platform in which it’s performed. Cyber-bullies have the means to broadcast their insults and harassment via the internet and various other technological devices, granting them a power that bullies of the past have yet to possess. But what does this all mean? In this paper I will examine the ever-expanding dilemma that is cyber-bullying. In an attempt to analyze the outcome and it’s ever-expanding effect. In addition to pointing out various ways parents, guardians and teenagers may confront, address, combat, avoid and punish cyber-bullying/bullies.

Is Cyber-bullying an Ever-expanding Dilemma?

Cyber-bullying has become a huge issue in recent years. Every time you turn on the news it seems as though there is a new bullying, or suicide related bullying incident being reported. So much so that studies now indicate that cyber-bullying incidents have more than quadrupled in the past five years. It’s something that’s changing the social landscape. Thankfully, many celebrities and other socialites are using their status to influence young people to practice an alternative behavior. They’re spreading the message of love through a catch phrase called “Love is Louder.” In hopes of encouraging them to aggressively love, not aggressively hate. But are social outreaches of this kind effective enough? Or is it blatantly obvious that as technology evolves so will the tactics used by bullies through the ever-expanding resources available to them? Ultimately making cyber-bullying and the harm caused an ever-expanding dilemma.

So what exactly is Cyber-bullying and why is it considered an...