Cyberbulling:It goes beyond the Internet

By Cristian Wilmore

Cyberbullying happens throughout the world and teens often find themselves the victims. Bullies can send hurtful messages to other kids and post embarrassing pictures of their peers on social media.

“I believe it happens everyday,” sophomore Kash Thomas said. “Around the world with the increased use of social media. Cyberbullying is badly affecting teens, and sometimes people don’t know how to handle being bullied and wouldn’t know what to do or expect.”

Lots of cyberbullying victims don’t know how to reach out for help. Many pretend everything will go away and they try to look the other way. Others recognize the potential for harm.

“I would first not spread whatever they’re doing or like it,” junior Christian Calvillo said. “I would just call the person doing it ignorant and stupid for it and then tell whoever is getting bullied that they shouldn’t listen and should block the person out.”

Parents are often concerned about their kid’s safety. Teens go places by themselves, have social media, and have strong privacy settings on their phones. Some parents check their child’s phone daily to see who they’re texting, what they are doing, when something is happening, and what problems they might be having. Kids sometimes don’t know how to explain it to their parents if they are being bullied.

“If I saw cyberbullying happening right in front of me I would try

to confront the person that is being bullied and help them get through their situation.” Said sophomore Katelyn Nguyen.

Sophomore Dylan Jolivette says that confronting the person about them being bullied and talking to them to get through their situation might help them feel better. Thomas offers advice along the same lines.

“Block the person cyberbullying you,” Thomas said. “Leave the internet for a short period of time, stop using the apps you’re being bullied on.”

Kids who are suffering from being bullied without parental knowledge and guidance can face increasing problems at school and at home. Some parents won’t take it seriously. They tell teens to “ignore the person.” For many, it’s not that

easy to ignore a person who is tormenting you every hour of the day.

“That cyberbullying can hurt people very badly,” Jolivette said. “It can drive people’s sanity low and it can be very hard to talk about it. Some kids will fall under depression and may even think about suicide.”

Kids start to talk more, opening up to others, and explaining their situations of being bullied. Because of this, many kids now have the opportunity to go on about their day knowing someone cares and they are willing to help.

“Since cyberbullying causes death because some people can’t handle it I’ll say you can get a fine or get your account terminated throughout all social media because of it.” Jolivette said.