Steemit Engagement Challenge S4-W1 | My view on Cyber Bullying - by @Sahmie

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Greetings to every one of us in this amazing community. I hope we are all wonderfully well and having a tremendous day.

This is my participation post for the "Steemit Engagement Challenge S4:W1 - CYBERBULLYING." contest hosted by @steem-cameroon

_{Designed by @Sahmie using Pixellab App.}

INTRODUCTION

With the world being made exceptional small and meaningful with technology, it also comes with a monster known as Cyberbullying, which is a means of bullying that happens online. Cyberbullying can happen in any form of digital communication, including text messages and social media. It is most commonly seen in the form of mean or threatening messages or comments left on someone's social media pages. However, cyberbullying can also take place over instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat. Sometimes, even as text messages.

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WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF CYBERBULLYING?

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THE DEFINITION OF CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying is when somebody utilizes the use of technology to torture, harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. It can be done through electronic or Internet-based communication tools such as text messages, emails and instant messaging programs.

_Source

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs online where the victim does not know the bully in person. Cyberbullies are often anonymous and may use other people's identities to harass others online without their knowledge.

TYPES OF CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying is the act of intimidating somebody virtually and this can be fulfilled in numerous means, including:

• Texting, email and instant messaging (IM)

• Social media (e.g Instagram, Snapchat Twitter etc)

• Online gaming

Cyberbullying is a problem that affects people of all ages, but it's especially common among adolescents. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 76% of teenage girls and 65% of teenage boys have experienced cyberbullying in some form.

If you're worried about cyberbullying in your own life or see signs that someone else might be experiencing it, here are some statistics on the prevalence and impact:

The U.S.: In 2016 alone there were more than 3 million reports made to the FTC about social media scams (many involving fake news sites), but only 7% led to any type of legal action being taken against those responsible for posting them online. _source

UK: In 2017/18 there were around 1 million incidents reported through ChildLine - more than double what was reported just two years prior. _source

AUSTRALIA: There were over 870 cases reported across all states between January 2016-August 2019 with an average cost per case estimated at $30k. _source

CANADA: Each province has their laws regarding cyberbullying which vary from province to province so it's important not only to check out your local laws but also to make sure you know how they differ from those within each country before taking action yourself such as contacting the police!

THE CYCLE OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS

Cyberbullying as described earlier is the act of harassing another person online. This can be in the form of open or direct bullying, in which someone uses his or her real name and profile image to torture someone else, and subtle or indirect bullying, where the perpetrators are not known or named but have some way of knowing who he or she is targeting.

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Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on the victims' cognitive health because it often pertains to repeated messages from multiple people over time. As more people become aware that they might be cyberbullied through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc, those who suffer from anxiety disorders may find themselves feeling deserted and alone when trying to cope with these feelings.

INDICATIONS THAT SOMEONE IS BEING BULLIED ONLINE

When bullied virtually, be it a teenager or a grown-up, they tend to exhibit certain indications which include;

• Not being as active on social media or in other digital spaces as usual.

• They spend more time alone than with friends and family members.

• They seem withdrawn or sadder than usual.

If you believe or speculate that someone or your child happened to be cyberbullied, here are some things you can do:

Cyberbullying can be difficult to detect in some cases, but there are a few things you can look out for.

If any of these clues is noticed, then it's time to get support and encouragement.

EMOTIONAL DISTRESS: Cyberbullying can cause sentimental distress in several ways. Just like physical bullying, persons who have been victims of virtually bully tends to feel disheartened and unhappy that they did not receive the needed attention or necessary support they desire from their counterparts and friends. Another common sign is when someone is distracted from work or other activities because they're spending too much time worrying about how others are going to react to their actions online, some even go the lent to avoid social media platforms and socialising at large. This exact thing happens when someone receives painful messages from strangers via social media channels like Twitter or Facebook Messenger (or whatever social media app you use).

PHYSICAL DISTRESS: Cyberbullying can also lead to physical indications such as headaches and stomach aches, so if your child suddenly starts complaining about the discomfort caused by coughing up mucus due to allergies brought on by anxiety levels rising during class meetings where everyone talks about their emotions instead of focusing on what needs doing next after homework comes due tomorrow morning (yesterday), then I would recommend getting him or she checked out by a doctor immediately before things get worse! But don't worry, I'm sure there are plenty more tips coming soon...

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HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A VICTIM OR PERPETRATOR OF CYBERBULLYING?

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Yes, I have been a victim of Cyberbullying, and I doubt if there are any who haven't.

When I remembered how it happened now it's kind of funny even to me, but not then. This happened to me in my Secondary school group chat on WhatsApp where there was an argument about where and when to hold our reunion and everyone was giving their take. So I made a suggestion saying where they have picked out is quite expensive and not all could afford it, and then it came from nowhere. Someone in the group asked me to shut up and let those willing and can afford to attend, then one other person asked the question"Who is forcing you to attend?". I felt bad, and remained mute, till this very day I barely give my opinion in that group.

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HOW DID THIS ENCOUNTER AFFECT THIS SAID PERSON?

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The thought of experiencing such made me feel like no one else cared about my feelings or understands me, I found myself depressed as the days went by, I felt humiliated and embarrassed, and at a time I thought of dissociating from the group chat entirely. Truth be told, I went offline for about 2 months, and It was like I never mattered to anyone.

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HOW SAFE DO YOU FEEL ON STEEMIT? AND HAVE YOU EVER FELT BULLIED AT ANY POINT IN TIME? (ON STEEMIT)

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On the steemit platform, I feel pretty safe as I find myself among friends I can relate to. Besides, I don't know most of them in person so I do not take anything personally. And if I find anything bothering me, there are always a few of those I can tell that will talk me through.

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WHAT LESSONS DID YOU GAIN FROM SUCH A SCENARIO? AND WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO YOUR AUDIENCE?

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From my experience of cyberbullying, I did learn a thing or two which I can give as advice to those who find themselves in a similar situation. Such as;

DO NOT RESPOND: It is a common understanding that people who cyberbully others are seeking a response. My advice is that you should not give them the pleasure of feeding the troll. It is often for the best not to respond. You can mute such persons and their opinions if possible.

BLOCK THE PERSON OR PEOPLE: Most platforms now have such features so you always have the choice to block or unfollow the person or people that are mistreating you. But if they are close relatives, when you feel safe, you may also want to discuss with them the harm they have caused you and ask them politely to delete their comments. There are instances where people don't realise they've hurt or embarrassed others.

_Source

TAKE INTEREST IN YOURSELF: Experiencing cyberbullying incidents can be very tough. It's okay to feel furious and sad but you will have to get through it. You might find it helpful to leave the platform where it is happening for a short period so you don't get in bigger trouble. Engage yourself with meaningful things such as meeting up with friends, going for a walk, or watching films, things that take your mind off what happened.

Don't forget to surround yourself with positive people and thoughts that will help you feel better.

I have come to notice that, things seem to feel worse at night and so it can be a good idea to do something to keep your mind away.

CONCLUSION

Cyberbullying is an extremely serious issue that affects many people. If you have been a casualty of cyberbullying, it's vital to know your options for legal action against the perpetrator. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative can help you understand your rights and choices when it comes to cyberbullying and if you are a perpetrator of cyberbullying, I had to advise you to disease from this evil monster as it's unfair to the well-being of others.

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I like to invite @kinase, @five5 and @yangitu99, and any other persons who would like to participate too to CLICK HERE for more instructions.

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Thank you all for always making out time to go through my work, and I only hope you enjoyed it😉😁. I can never say thank you enough. You are my real MVPs.

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.