Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is in the nations headlines lately as it has been recognized as the cause of a large percentage of suicides among school-aged children. Thus sociological research is needed on this problem that is prolific in American culture. Have the writers at Paper Masters custom report on the most recent research and statistics regarding cyberbullying. Our writers use the most accurate and academic resources available today.

The media has the ability to build people up or shatter their character and destroy lives. Bullying is defined by acting aggressively toward another individual and victimizing, intimidating or injuring them through harassment. Cyberbullying is the psychological equivalent of bullying through the internet or other electronic media in which individuals interact on. A general review of what has been noted regarding the definition of cyberbullying indicates that this act is a form of traditional bullying: a problem that has long plagued schools and school personnel. Cyberbullying takes the practice of traditional bullying one step further employing information and communication technologies to perpetrate the harassment and torture of the student at any time of the day or night. While traditional bullying typically only occurred only within the school during school hours, cyberbullying, because of the proliferation of technology, can occur at any time or place regardless of whether school is in session.

A more succinct definition of cyberbullying is provided by Williamson who argues that "Cyberbullying involves repeated and unwanted aggressive behavior using Internet, cell phones or other digital devices and is used to hurt or embarrass another person".

Williamson argues that statistics indicate the following:

• 43 percent of teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying in the past year
• Cyberbullying is more common among 15 and 16 year-old girls than any other group.
• The rates of cyberbullying continue to increase due to the proliferation of information and communication technologies.
• Statistics regarding internet use among teens indicates that 90 percent of this group is active online on a daily basis.
• In addition, a nationwide survey of youth found that 50 percent of all adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 currently have a personal cell phone.

Given the use of technology among youth, it is not surprising to find that the number of cyberbullying cases continues to increase.