Cyber Bullying - Research Paper Example

It is worth noting that most children become victims of cyber bullying. As a result, people suspecting that their children are victims should not ignore but instead, try to help him or her out. Some of the measures that can be put in place include; making the child aware of cyber bullying, being aware of the internet activities of a child and understanding the communication and technology networks used by the child. In addition, requesting the child to share with you any nasty messages he or she receives and advice him or her not to respond to any abusive message, moreover, if your child is a student inform the staff that your child is a victim of cyber bullying.

Discussion There are several effects of cyber bullying that can be short term or long term in nature. Some of the short-term effects to the children include low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, poor social self-competence, social withdrawal, depression, school absenteeism, psychosomatic symptoms, drug use, poor academic performance, running away from home, and physical health complaints. Some of the long-term effects include, high level of depression, in adulthood individual show perfectionism, and finally an individual will never forget such experience.

It is evident that bullies have continued to torment most of the youths and children in schools and even homes (Underwood, Springer & Scott, 2011). Currently, tech-savvy suggests that there are developments of new cyber bullying locations such as the cyber space through ramous, e-mails, online journals, websites, and the usual text messages. In most cases, to be able to address issues of cyber bullying among the victims, it is essential to identify affected individuals. Research shows that adolescents are at substantial risk of cyber bullying.

This is based on the mental professionals’ statistics. However, there are characteristics making such individuals to be vulnerable to such harassment. Some of the susceptible patients include mentally disturbed individuals, individuals with a developmental disability, gays or lesbians, new students, children perceived to be outsiders by peers, and those who spend most of their time online. Some of the common signs of cyber bullying victims include sleeping difficulties, anxiety, disinterest in school, wetting of bed, and somatic complaints increase.

Most of the school aged children experience cruelty of bullying and it is believed that most of the recent school rash has resulted from bullying. This has resulted from the sophisticated use of technology, as a result, such students use the contemporary system of delivery to tease, taunt, and threaten fellow classmates. Cyber bullying is becoming the newest bullying leading to enormous challenges for school personnel. Mental professionals state that if cyber bullying problems are not addressed, they have the potential of causing depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

Complaints of cyber bullying have been experienced in the University of Chicago clinic, however, to address this issue mental health professionals are suggesting primary care physicians to deal with the problem. This is important with the young patients by educating them concerning this topic and screening for the possible victims and perpetrators. It is evident that suicide rates for cyber bullying perpetrators and victims is above those of students