The internet is the best defining example for modern education. The fact is that because of the internet, now education is more accessible and widespread. Most classroom functions and student experiences are moving into cyberspace as a result of the usage of digital textbooks to get online degrees. But the unfortunate fact is that it also includes bullying.
Everything comes with its good and bad sides both, whatever it is. Regardless of all the good things internet has brought to us, there are people who are using it with malicious intent. And this is what hurts people and actually one of the bad side of internet. Bullying has occurred since the birth of time, and virtual bullying has existed since the dawn of the internet.
This blog is all about cyberbullying and help you even know about cyberbullying legal consequences.
What is Cyberbullying?
It is defines as the electronic posting of mean messages about someone getting done anonymously. The word, Cyberbullying was first got used in 1998.
Furthermore, it defines as bullying that is via the digital devices like computers, mobiles, ad tablets. Actually, it is deliberate and repeated harm inflicted with the usage of technology and electronic devices. Also, it means that using electronic communication to bully a person in the same as in real life just by sending message of threatening or intimidating mean.
Difference between Cyberbullying and Bullying:
The difference between traditional bullying and cyberbullying has just a few defining factors. And this is what makes it a unique concern for each of the parents and teachers.
Here are some qualities that can make clear the difference between both of these terms.
· Anonymity:
Victims usually know who are bullying them. But online bullies are liable to hide their identities. Since cyberbullies are anonymous, they can engage in even more terrible and cruel behavior. And the victim has mostly no mean to find out who is harassing him/her.
- Public:
Oftentimes, people who are interacted with the ones involved know about the harassment in traditional bullying. Whereas, when the bullied content gets posted or shared online, it is simply open to everyone. This opens up the victim to be more potential ridicule from the online strangers. In cyberbullying, there is no need to fear for getting witnessed when the identities are not known.
· Permanent:
Anything posted online is impossible to get deleted wholly. Following this, cyberbullying is potent to damage the reputation of victim on permanent basis. Even if the content gets removed or deleted from its original site, someone can still find it posted via screenshots or something. This has a lot of potential to negatively impact the future of victim like his/her college admission, employment or relationship.
Laws of Cyberbullying:
Multiple level of governments are prohibited it as it is spread all around widely. Cyberbullying legal consequences are getting potent to avoid it from happening.
Federal Laws:
Up till now there aren’t any federal laws that are particularly addressing bullying. However, the notable exception to this rule is cyberstalking. Even though, there are no certain federal laws for cyberstalking. It is simply considered as a criminal action under all other anti-stalking and harassment laws.
If the overlap of racial discrimination is happening then all the federally funded schools of each level should address and resolve it.
The US Department of Justice Community Relations Service provides proper resources for helping the communities resolve their conflicts, prevention of violence and responding to hate discrimination and crimes. It is a confidential and a free service that allows everything from basic counselling to technical assistance. It the bullying is still persisting then the victim should file a formal complaint with the department.
State Laws:
Anti-bullying legislation exists in all 50 states. Most states have legislation in place to combat cyberbullying. Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws and policies.
Local laws may exist at the regional, county, or city level. At the very least, most school districts or school codes of conduct include anti-bullying language or principles. Make sure to look into the various policies and laws in your area at the local level.
Identifying Cyberbullying:
The one thing that is the most concerning factors about cyberbullying is that it is difficult to get recognized. If you feel something fishy in your kid or anyone with you then look for the signals if the person is bullying or getting bullied.
Signs of Cyberbullying:
Here are the things you need to look on the kid’s behavior to identify cyberbullying.
- Anger or Anxiety: Pay attention to the person’s mood while and after the usage of phone or computer. If they consistently seem nervous, anxious or upset while spending time on social media.
- Secretive: Check on if the person is getting defensive or secretive about their online activities. If they are unexpectedly shutting of devices as others approach, refusing to discuss what they do online or getting agitated or upset if you try discussing things with them. This shows that they may be trying to hide the fact that they are getting bullied.
- Avoiding Technology: You should know how many times the person is getting online when he used to enjoy it always. If he/she suddenly stopped using their stuff, most probably they are avoiding a bully.
Effects of Cyberbullying:
Traditional bullying is known to leave adverse effects on the victim. In fact, sometimes the issue continues to their adulthood. Similar to this, cyberbullying also have severe negative effects for the victim.
Here are a few things victim ay experience after getting cyberbullied;
- Reduced level of self esteem
- Emotionally distressed
- Certain physical symptoms like headache, trouble sleeping and stomach ache
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Final Words:
All in all, nowadays, cyberbullying is getting really common because the use of technology is increasing. It should be avoided at all costs. In fact, basic education should incorporate teaching everyone about it and how to deal with it. The law should get stricter to avoid it at all cost.
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