Whether students are virtual or brick and mortar, for some the bullying, never seems to end. Social media has connected people beyond what most could have imagined just a short 20 years ago. However, name-calling is the most common kind of online harassment for teenagers.
42% of teenagers claim they've been called insulting names on the internet or through their telephone. A third of kids, about 32%, say someone has circulated false information about them on the internet. While a lower percentage of 21% claim they've been the target of physical threats online or have had someone other than a parent regularly ask where they are, who they're with, and what they're doing, statistics reported by the Pew Research Center.
One student has a witnessed her fair share of cyberbullying among peers. “People post stuff about each other all the time,” say hight school sophomore, Violet Rohan. “I’ve seen videos from parties on friend’s snaps and there’s always some kind of drama”.
Presently 95% of US teens are on social media, people as young as 12 have claimed to have been bullied online reports dosomething.org. Miss Rohan shared her thoughts on the struggle to maintain personal image on social media. In her opinion things only became worse throughout the pandemic. “No one could do anything but sit on social media, that was the only to communicate. If someone wanted to spread a rumor, how could anyone stop it?”
While self-image remains, a major component affecting teens insecurities and mental stability. Although this is not a new occurrence, Dr. Monica Barreto, PhD, a registered clinical child psychologist at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, told Forbes.com that the problem has been getting worse.
Teaching Administrator Linda Hurtt recalls the transition from tradition interaction to today’s instant access to peers. “Students can get away from each. They’re always talking, texting, taking pictures. Mistakes don’t fade away, there’s proof and now more than ever, anyone can see it. As administrators we can only do such.”
For more information, visit stopbullying.gov for helpful tips on prevention and awareness.
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