Cyber Bullying By students in Mrs. Kasler’s English II class, Spring, 2015 Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail, North Carolina

Statistics ● 43% of teens aged 13 to 17 report that they have experienced some sort of cyberbullying in the past year. ● More girls are cyber bullies than boys (59% girls and 41% boys). ● 68% of teens agree that cyberbullying is a serious problem with today’s youth. ● Reasons cyber bullies said they engaged in cyberbullying: a.To show off to friends (11%) b.To be mean (14%) c. Something else (16%) d.To embarrass them (21%) e.For fun or entertainment (28%) f. They deserved it (58%) g.To get back at someone (58%) ● 81% of youth agree that bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person. ● 80% think it is easier to hide online bullying from parents than in-person bullying.

Effects of Cyber Bullying StopBullying.govStopBullying.gov reports that youth who are bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Symptoms may include: ●increased feelings of sadness and loneliness o changes in sleep and eating patterns o loss of interest in activities o more health complaints Youth who are bullied are more likely to struggle personally and at school. They may: o miss, skip or drop out of school o receive poor grades o have lower self-esteem o use alcohol and drugs Bullying can lead to thoughts about suicide, sometimes persisting into adulthood. In one study, adults who were bullied as youth were three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations. Youth who are bullied may retaliate through violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.

Effects of Cyber Bullying Youth who are bullied are more likely to struggle personally and at school. They may: o miss, skip or drop out of school o receive poor grades o have lower self-esteem o use alcohol and drugs Bullying can lead to thoughts about suicide, sometimes persisting into adulthood. In one study, adults who were bullied as youth were three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations. Youth who are bullied may retaliate through violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.

How to Attempt the Conclusion of Cyberbullying For cyberbullying to cease, the ones who have the sites, apps, and pages need to take a stand and have a voice. There is bullying all around, and it has no chance of stopping if the one who is participating isn’t confronted, by others who have access to seeing what is posted.