Cyber-bullying at Any Age

The other evening, I was chatting with an acquaintance who shared a problem she was experiencing with a person bullying her for something absolutely ridiculous at best. A little different than when we were growing up as kids, this individual is experiencing it through the marvels of the internet. It was a lot easier in the old days when you’d just roll around on the ground and it would be over.

Bullying in schools has become an increasing problem in our country. It involves more than just physical or aggressive behavior toward another. It can involve something as simple as intentionally leaving another out of activities in which you normally would have involved them, or even just spreading rumors about another.

At one time, we believed it was only a problem between children or immature teenagers.  Unfortunately, it isn’t, and it is a growing problem in today’s society.

So much of our life today revolves around the gadgets we sit in front of or carry in our pockets. Because of the propensity of them in our lives, we quickly can become victims. Even worse, we sometimes can become the source of unintentional harm to another. Words can hurt, and we have to be careful how they are used.

Some may be amused at the thought they could be the source of another’s pain, but it’s true.   However, the bright spot may lie in the fact that we were unaware that we were the source of another’s pain, and we certainly can fix it quicker than when it involves pain inflicted by those who intend to cause it.

Unfortunately, if you spend any time on a social platform, you can be the target of bullying, especially if you fail to stay away from contentious issues.

I’m not telling you that you aren’t entitled to your opinion. You are. But be careful to understand your audience. Choose your words carefully, especially if you don’t know the audience with whom you are communicating.

It is wonderful we have the ability to stay in contact or to reconnect with so many old acquaintances. However, disconnecting from the real world through a keyboard is no substitute for the old-fashioned way of interacting on a person-to-personbasis.

It is unfortunate that some find courage through cyberspace and fail to have the decency to act in a more civilized way. Just remember that the internet can be filled with lowlifes and trolls finding pleasure with your pain.

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to choose your friends carefully. I think I spoke to the value of the wonderful gift that friendship bestows upon us.

Unfortunately, modern-day bullying takes on many faces in today’s world. Most of the old standards have morphed into something very different.  Be aware that the stereotypical bully of the past may still exist, so it does take some recognition of how times have changed.

Today we find many forms of the bullying of the past. Physical as well as verbal still exist. Today, however, cyber, emotional, prejudicial and sexual bullying are inflicting equally devastating harm and know no age barriers.

Teachers, human resource professionals, parents, other family members and friends should be aware of some of the symptoms of bullying. Depression as well as physical signs of abuse, lack of confidence in oneself and anxious behavior all may be signs that something isn’t right.

Bullying can be as harmful as a physical ailment due to its attack on one’s self esteem and the subsequent psychological effects. Be there for that family member or friend.  Don’t ignore the obvious signs and symptoms and help them to avail themselves of the help that is out there.  You can make a difference, and they’ll thank you later.