Breaking Down Cyberbullying vs. Face-to-Face Bullying

An article on the blog Moms United - Moms.com offers an insightful and refreshing breakdown of the difference between #cyberbullying compared to #bullying in real life. For one, cyberbullying is much more pervasive outside of the traditional bullying setting.

From the 2018 Pew Research Center data the article cited (although I'm sure this number is even higher now with the pandemic) nearly 60% of children experience some form of cyberbullying. Face-to-face bullying statistics are not even close to that, something parents need to realize now more than ever. With the obvious increased exposure tied to the use of evolving technology, children and adults experiencing more bullying has been building for many years.

Online bullies can hide behind a screen, and use the internet and social media to cast a wider net to catch more people's attention. Instead of name-calling and pushing around like during face-to-face bullying, online bullying ranges from simple direct messaging, text messages, email chains and social media posting, to being extremely cruel by creating fake social media accounts and "shade rooms" to bash someone, to also using Photoshop and similar tools to create false images, memes or altered text messages. Posting private conversations is also another means of an online bully to attack a victim.

Imagine receiving an array of these messages on your phone or device from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep? Unrelenting, right?

In light of #SaferInternetDay this month, change is needed. As I've previously written and posted, #Section230 of the federal Communications Decency Act needs to be reformed.

If you need to take legal action against any form of bullying, Ramey Law P.C. services offer solutions for any parents.