The Impact of Cyberbullying

Schoolyard bullying, though often traumatic, never attracted the interest of lawmakers. "Cyberbullying" is a different story. The nonprofit children's organization Nemours notes on its Kids Health website that the old "sticks and stones" mentality of "words can never hurt me" is less applicable in cyberspace than it is in the schoolyard. Because the effects are more severe, simply telling kids to ignore cyberbullying doesn't seem to be a viable option.

Definition

• Cyberbullying is harassment that takes place through electronic means. The Hazelden Foundation includes email, text messages, instant messages and online chat rooms as vehicles for cyberbullying. It can happen on computers, cell phones or personal digital assistants. It can involve a single person harassing another individual, or a group of people ganging up on another. As with traditional bullying, it creates an imbalance of power and is usually repeated over time.

Perpetrators

• According to Nancy Willard, director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet, cyberbullying can be more severe than traditional bullying because of the impact the Internet has on the perpetrators as well as the victims. The anonymity of the Internet creates what Willard calls "disinhibition." Physically detached from their victims, cyberbullies are likely to be more cruel than they would be in a face-to-face situation. Normal social cues that would trigger empathy or shame in the real world don't exist in cyberspace, and it's easier for bullies to rationalize their behavior.

Victims

• Young people who are cyberbullied, according to Willard, may not report the incidents to adults for fear of retribution, or because they worry it might be their fault, or they are simply too traumatized by the bullying. Reasons it can be especially traumatic include the incessant nature of it. Traditional bullying is limited to the physical space in which it occurs, whereas cyberbullying can go on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As they feel there is no escape, victims are likely to become depressed, violent, withdrawn or, in some cases, suicidal.

Legalities

• Because cyberbullying does not necessarily take place on school grounds, it can be difficult for schools to punish offenders. However, off-campus cyberbullying can directly affect the school environment. Hateful online messages can incite victims to violence on campus. Willard also points out that schools could be held liable if student cyberbullies use campus computers, the school's Internet service provider or their cell phones while on school grounds.

Systemic Change

• Most school districts have a safe school committee comprised of administrators, counselors, school resource officers and, ideally, parents and mental health professionals. Willard suggests that these committees should combine forces with educational technology committees, which are charged with overseeing their districts' and student use of the Internet on campus. By combining their resources, school administrators can better handle incidents of cyberbullying as they arise.