Bullying is much more than just a random occurrence that takes place from time to time on schoolyards and in workplaces. It is often carefully premeditated and executed against the intended victims. Bullying is an epidemic of cruelty and needless suffering that has only expanded in scope and power with the dawn of Internet. Today, we have cyberbullying, and it is no less harmful or toxic than traditional bullying. One way or another, it has to stop.
If I sound passionate about this, it's because I have a right to be. I myself am a former victim of this type of treatment. Without a doubt, it's one of the most terrifying and degrading experiences you can go through as a kid, or an adult for that matter. And it's no way for anyone to have to live their lives.
As such, I try to bring awareness to this matter and speak out against it in any way I can. This infographic is a great way to continue on with that mission. Special thanks to Bonnie Moore from Best Education Degrees for sending me this powerful piece of work.
Inside Cyber Bullying
Cyberbullying is defined as the “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell
phones, and other electronic devices.” With 80% of teens on cell phones and the same on social media sites,
it’s time to understand that technology is connecting teens in ways they can’t escape.
Cyberbullying rates
1 in 6 (16.2%) of teens are cyber bullied [22.1% girls / 10.8% boys]
18.6% of white [25.9% girls / 11.8% boys]
8.9% of blacks [11% girls / 6.9% boys]
13.6% of hispanics [18% girls / 9.5% boys]
15.5 of 9th graders [22.6% girls / 8.9% boys]
18.1 of 10th graders [24.2% girls / 12.6% boys]
16 of 11th graders [19.8% girls / 12.4% boys]
15 of 12th graders [21.5% girls / 8.8% boys]
Off-line bullying rates
1 in 5 are bullied offline [22% girls / 18% boys]
Cyberbullying rates by state
Alabama [12.3%], Alaska [15.3%], Arkansas [16.7%], Colorado [14.4%], Connecticut [16.3%], Florida [12.4%],
Georgia [13.6%], Hawaii [14.9%], Idaho [17%], Illinois [16%], Indiana [18.7%], Iowa [16.8%], Kansas [15.5%],
Kentucky [17.4%], Louisiana [18%], Maine [19.7%], Maryland [14.2%], Michigan [18%], Mississippi [12.5%],
Montana [19.2%], Nebraska [15.8%], New Hampshire [21.6%], New Jersey [15.6%], New Mexico [13.2%], New
York [16.2%], North Carolina [15.7%], North Dakota [17.4%], Ohio [14.7%], Oklahoma [15.6%], Rhode Island
[15.3%], South Carolina [15.6%], South Dakota [19.6%], Tennessee [13.9%], Texas [13%], Utah [16.6%], Ver-mont [15.2%], Virginia [14.8%], West Virginia [15.5%], Wisconsin [16.6%], Wyoming [18.7%]
But cyber bullying is punishable by the law. [4]
49/50 states have bullying laws (Montana is the one state that doesn’t)
47/50 include “electronic harassment.
44/50 include school sanctions.
18/50 specifically include “cyberbullying”
and 12/50 include criminal sanctions.
With Federal cyberbullying laws pending.
What it causes
Teenagers who are cyberbullied are 3 times more likely to commit suicide.
Teenagers who are traditionally bullied are 2 times more likely to commit suicide.
Suicide attempts that require treatment:
1.5% for youths not bullied
2.3% for youths physically bullied
5.4% for youths cyberbullied
6% for youths physically and cyberbullied
Only 1/10 victims ask their parents for help.
Leaving 9/10 to deal with the abuse alone.
Tips for parents
• Unconditional support.
• Inform the child of options in dealing with the bully.
• Work with school officials.
• Work with the parents of the bully.
• Contact IT providers to get content removed and bullies blocked.
• If necessary, contact the police.
Tips for Educators
• Teach that cyberbullying is wrong.
• Listen and respond to all reports of bullying.
• Have students work on projects against cyberbullying.
• Have a system for complaints to be documented.
• Host speakers on the topic of bullying.
• Ensure that school is a safe place; free from cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is real and often more emotionally brutal than traditional bullying.
Stay informed and protect your children because sometimes words hurt more than sticks and stones.
Sources:
- http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss6104.pdf
- http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html
- http://www.cyberbullying.us/cyberbullying_fact_sheet.pdf
- http://www.cyberbullying.us/cyberbullying_and_suicide_research_fact_sheet.pdf
- http://www.cyberbullying.us/Bullying_and_Cyberbullying_Laws.pdf
- http://www.cyberbullying.us/Cyberbullying_Identification_Prevention_Response_Fact_Sheet.pdf
- http://www.pediatricnews.com/specialty-focus/mental-health/single-article-page/cyberbullying-triples-suicide-risk-in-teens.html