Cyberbullying

Opening: In the modern world with the advanced technology in transportation, communication and
internet, it seems like our community is more and more connected than ever before. We can have video
call with Zalo, send messages through Facebook messeger or attend online meetings or courses with
Microsoft Team. The three apps above are just a few examples about the various ways that people can
keep in touch with each other. However, beside all those potential benefits, it’s important to add the
harmful consequences that these modern and innovative gadgets affect our community and specifically
our lives.

One of the most dangerous effects happening on those social networks is cyberbullying. What is
Cyberbullying? Formally, it is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of
computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices”. Cyberbullying includes the following factors:

 Willful: The behavior has to be deliberate, not accidental.

 Repeated: Bullying reflects a pattern of behavior, not just one isolated incident.
 Harm: The target must perceive that harm was inflicted.
 Computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices: This, of course, is what differentiates
cyberbullying from traditional bullying

Cyberbullying is a tragic story, according to UNICEF survey:

There are 62 million active social media users in Vietnam, or nearly two-thirds of the country ’s
population. Of them, six million were Facebook and Instagram users under the age of 18

20% young Vietnamese are bullied online but most do not know how to find professional help.

In India 53% of the respondents, which comprised children between the age of 8-17 years admitting to
have experienced online bullying.

In China 70% of the respondents admitted to having been bullied online and 58% in Singapore were
found to have undergone a similar predicament.

The rates in neighboring countries were much higher, including 45% in Indonesia and 30% in Malaysia.

13% of Vietnamese said the violence between young people happened in online games, while 68%
pointed to social networks, mostly Facebook, as the bullying arena, according to the UNICEF survey.

The verbal insults were publicly posted online (32%) or sent via private messages (24%), the 197
Vietnamese respondents who replied to a question on whether the bullying is public or private.

Cyberbullying can be in the form of violence and aggression online, and it has a negative and long-term
impact on children affected by or involved as bullies, victims or witnesses.

Effect: Nowadays, more and more people are getting on social media, more and more of them
are being bullied. Social media has given us immense power but with that power comes a lot of
responsibilities. Let us tell you why this issue is so dramatic. it disturbs the peace of mind of a
person.

-experience depression after they are cyberbullied

- indulge in self-harm

-the derogatory comments made about them makes them feel inferior.
- a lot of insecurities and complexes -> victim starts having self-doubt.

-When someone points at your insecurities, they only tend to enhance -> the victims worry and
lose their inner peace.
-tarnishes the image of a person -> hampers their reputation with the false rumors spread about
them. Everything on social media spreads like wildfire.

-people often question the credibility. -one false rumor destroys people’s lives.

Prevent: There were no more effective solutions to stop cyberbullying than attacking it from the
roots.
-parents: teach children not toshare personal information online (list your home address or phone
number ->easily be.

-avoid posting explicit photos of yourself online.

-never discuss personal matters on social media.

-keep the information limited within group of friends and family.

-never share internet password and account details with anyone.

-Be alert and do not click on mysterious links, they may be scams.

-teach kids about cyberbullying and make them aware of pros and cons.
But what if cyberbullying has already happened to a person?

-for us: be sympathetic

-For them: try to get over.

In another case, some people didn’t mean to post something that offensive so An Indian girl has
suggested to create an app which would ask us “are you sure to post these, it seems to be
offensive” before we posting something on the Internet. What a great idea!

Think before you type

Be responsible about what you share

be supportive, sympathize to the bullied