Today In our time, there is a smartphone in every hand and the Internet is available to everyone. It may seem cool to order food, order clothes from your favorite fashion brands, watch a movie of your choice with just a few clicks, but the Internet also has many dangers.
Do you know that increasing digitalization also brings many dangers? The biggest victims are the teenagers in our families. With this digitalization, a new threat has also emerged called cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is a crime in which a person or group harasses another person mentally, emotionally, or physically through the Internet and social media. Nowadays, this phenomenon is spreading rapidly among young people and children. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and Telegram have become ideal sites for these types of crimes.
Today we are going to discover the relationships-
What is cyberbullying? What damage can it cause?
What is cyberbullying?
The Internet and social networks occupy an important place in our lives. While this digital world has many advantages, it also has dark sides. One of them is cyberbullying. When someone uses the Internet, social media, or any other digital medium to harm others mentally or emotionally, it is called cyberbullying. This is not limited to places like school or the workplace, but can happen anywhere and at any time via smartphones and computers.
Difference between traditional harassment and cyber-harassment?
In harassment, we often see that the one who mocks and harasses is the one in front. Usually, the victim and the perpetrator know each other. Cyberbullies are not visible. They can corner you on social media or messaging platforms without any fear. Thanks to a small mistake, his words reach hundreds of people. It can happen at any time and any place.
What does a victim of cyberbullying feel?
If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, it is important to understand that it is not just a message or post. It’s a wound that continues to grow from within. People experiencing this situation may feel humiliation, anger, despair and loneliness. Sometimes dangerous thoughts like suicide may also come into their minds. Cyberbullying can be a very painful experience.
Cyberbullying harms our mental and emotional health. Sometimes it can cause us physical harm. In such a situation, if you are also a victim of cyberbullying, then you can deal with it by adopting some tips.
Responding to Cyberbullies the Right Way
If you are a victim of cyberbullying, do not react with anger or sadness. Whatever message is written against you, no matter how derogatory or erroneous it may be, you should not react to it. Reacting could make the situation worse. A cyberbully’s goal is to hurt you.
How to protect yourself from cyberbullying
You can make good friends to protect yourself from cyberbullying. Instead of making these friends on social media, make them in the real world, those in your school, college and family. Make friends with people who support you in such issues.
Share your feelings: tell your close friends or family about them. Even if they can’t give you solutions, listening to them and sharing your feelings can lift your spirits.
Make promising friends: Make friends with like-minded people. With such friends, you can express your thoughts and make good friends.
Don’t blame yourself: You should never blame yourself for cyberbullying. In this, it is not you but the other who is guilty.
Don’t hurt yourself: Don’t relive the cyberbullying incident over and over again and hurt yourself mentally.
Practice body positivity: Body shaming is often used in cyberbullying. Teenagers experience bodily changes during this time and they may feel upset.
Think positive thoughts: When a cyberbully criticizes your appearance, protect yourself from negative thoughts. Pay attention to your eyes, your hair or your qualities.
Accept: Accept where you are physically. Each has its own characteristics. It is normal that we all have anomalies.