Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise?

Some might agree with me that technology is the best thing that has happened to mankind. Technology provides numerous great benefits to everyone especially to young adults. It is a means of communicating, socializing, and staying connected with the latest fads, gossips, and everything in between. However, technology has been tainted from being used for good to being used for evil, Campbell informs us that email, texting, chat rooms, mobile phone cameras and web sites can and are being used by young people to bully peers. She goes on to say that it has become a global problem, the United States, Canada, Japan, Scandinavia, Untied Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand all have reported some form of harassment through the use of technology, such as cell phone and or a computer.

Unfortunately there is not much research on cyberbullying as their is on face to face bullying. I agree with Campbell there is a gap in research pertaining to cyberbullying. With new technology gidgets and gadgets introduced just about every other month mostly marketed towards our young adults one would think there would be ample research on this topic.

Campbell suggest that face to face bullying prevention strategies can be altered and applied to the prevention of cyberbullying. She suggest ensuring that people are aware of the problem acknowledging that there is a problem. I have heard parents, friends, and teachers make the following comments to actual victims, "don't take it serious" or "if they have not physically touched you I wouldn't worry about it." Being bullied face to face or through cyber space is a problem I believe everyone should be aware of especially those involved with children and young adults. The effects of being bullied using techonology is more detrimental than face to face bullying. The audience and spectators are enormous, everyone on the internet can view the incident and everyone can read or see a hard copy of the incident plastered on school walls and school newspaper. It can be a life altering experience, from depression to suicide, and even committing murder.

Campbell also suggest whole school policies, supervision, programs, and intervention in schools. I focused more on awareness because if everyone is aware of this epidemic problem the other preventative methods will effectively follow. It's great having tools but if you don't know how to use them or what's it for it serves no purpose.

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