Cyber Bullying

Hello readers! Today I want to discuss a world-wide problem with you: Cyber-bullying.

I started thinking about this when I was randomly browsing around Stardoll, and read a few guestbook comments. Never before had I seen such hate online! Many children, not much older than 10 years old were spreading nasty comments to this boy, about how it's wrong that he is on Stardoll, and that it makes him sick and disgusting. Thankfully, Stardoll have recently had many campaigns regarding bullying in general!
Click here to visit the "Beat Bullying" campaign on Stardoll.

I've noticed over a period of time that some teenagers and kids don't take this problem too seriously, and don't realize it's a big deal. I've done some research, and now will tell you some facts on cyber-bullying.

1. Nearly 42% of kids have been bullied online and almost one in four have had it happen more than once.
2. Among this percentage, being ignored and disrespected were the most common forms of cyber bullying.
3. Nine out of ten middle school students have had their feelings hurt online.
4. About 75% have visited a Web site bashing another student. 
5. Four out of ten middle school students have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them.
6. About 21% of kids have received mean or threatening e-mails. 
7. The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time.
8. The primary cyber bullying location where victimizing occurs, at 56%, is in chat rooms.
9. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
10. Cyber bullying has increased in recent years. In a national survey of 10-17 year olds, twice as many children indicated they had been victims and perpetrators.

So I hope this just let some people know how big this problem could become if you simply ignore it. Remember, if you see someone being bullied, pressured, or made uncomfortable, simply report them to Stardoll! Remember not to bully them back, as this will make you guilty as well.

~Lulla96