Social media is an excellent way to keep in touch with friends and even discover new ones, not to mention a great means of staying on top of all the latest news, music, movies, and trends. However, platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram also have a darker side: cyber bullying.
All too often we see the aftermath of cyber bullying on the news—tragic accounts of young lives deeply affected by online harassment and bullying. A child you know may have already experienced cyber bullying in some form, or even taken part in it.
Cyber bullying is real and must not be ignored. Need convincing? Just take a look at its ill-effects on the victims. Cyber bullying can impact everything from a victim’s performance in school to long-term mental health.
Young people especially students are now using technology and digital devices both in and out of school, from smartphones and laptops to text messages and social media. While this grants them more resources and efficiency in terms of searching for information, this also means that they are at risk of being a victim of cyber bullying or becoming cyber bullies themselves.