Staff Writer
We live in a generation defined by the Internet; in fact, some have even called us the Google Generation. Thanks to social media hubs like Facebook and Twitter, it is now easier than ever to be constantly connected with your friends, family, and even strangers. Unlike typical bullying that may occur, cyber bullying can occur at any hour of the day in the comfort of your own home.
Abusing the Internet can be harmful in multiple ways. “It’s bad and it should stop. Posts are destructive and once you put them on the Internet you can’t take them away. It’s harder to pin the blame on one individual person because the Internet is kind of anonymous. You can create a fake Myspace or Facebook,” says sophomore Cole Lamb.
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| The majority of Apex High students polled said they know somebody who has been cyber bullied. |
Some students are saying that the Internet is making it easier for bullies to harass others through social media websites such as YouTube and Facebook. Cyber bullies feel safer behind a computer screen and can harass their victims anonymously thanks to Internet privacy settings and phony social media profiles. “Bullies aren’t afraid to say things online in front of a screen rather than in person, they feel like it protects them, in a way. It gives them protection from teachers,” says sophomore Logan Santana.
People have always been bullied, but never quite on such a large scale. Many victims of cyber bullying have retaliated in extreme anger, some even going so far as to murder their bullies. According to a survey conducted by the CDC, 16 percent of high school students reported to have been bullied over the Internet in 2011. Endofbullying.com reports that students who experience bullying are more likely to earn poor grades, avoid going to school, and use alcohol and drugs. Bullied students are also more likely to have suicidal thoughts and/or attempt suicide.
Unfortunately, this has been the result of many cases involving cyber bullying, such as the infamous 2006 suicide of Megan Meier. Meier killed herself after being harassed by the mother of her former friend posing as a teenage boy on MySpace. The event drew national attention and sparked a number of movements to stop cyber bullying including the Megan Meier Foundation, founded by Megan’s mother Tina Meier.
So, you may be asking, “What can I do to help end bullying?” If you see bullying in the process, intervene and help the victim escape. Then, tell a trusted adult, since the bullies will most likely submit to an adult. Doing this will set a good example for other students and bystanders to follow.
Megan’s isn’t the only cyber bullying story, there are hundreds more like her who have ended their lives due to bullying and the numbers are constantly rising. Following the above tips may help to end bullying of all kinds and to prevent stories like Megan Meier’s from ever happening again.
