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  • Essay / How to Stay Safe Online: Combating Cyberbullying

    Table of ContentsIntroductionEffects of Online CyberbullyingKnow How to Stay Safe OnlineConclusionReferencesIntroductionCyberbullying is the use of technology to criticize people on online platforms such as Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. Nearly 43% of children have been victims of cyberbullying, and 1 in 4 of them have been victims of this phenomenon more than once. Given that more than 80% of teens regularly use a smartphone, the risks of cyberbullying increase exponentially (DoSomething, n.d.). Cyberbullying has a detrimental effect on the minds and behavior of victims. Effects include sudden change in personality, decline in academic performance, and self-harm due to psychological instability. However, the solutions to cyberbullying are simple, all it takes is help from parents. to raise awareness about cyberbullying, teach and ensure children know how to stay safe online and pay more attention to their children. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay on the effects of online cyberbullying. First, after being a victim of cyberbullying, the victims' personality will suddenly change for the worse, the changes include anger and withdrawal. Victims become angry because they feel dissatisfied with their lives because the bully's disgusting criticisms were directed at them and so they constantly hold this unhealthy grudge. Additionally, they begin to be very withdrawn from family and friends, constantly wanting to be alone and trying to be as little present as possible. This happens because they feel that their entire social reputation has been destroyed, with no one to love and care for. for them (Gordon, 2019). Second, another effect of cyberbullying is lower academic performance. Victims begin to lose interest in school because they feel embarrassed and humiliated. They will constantly find excuses to skip school. When they attend classes, their concentration is very minimal, as they are distracted by anxiety about what others currently think of them. Additionally, when they are at home, they isolate themselves in their room, mulling over the bully's criticisms, and waste time thinking of ways, such as changing their appearance, to outsmart the bullies, instead of doing homework and revising topics (BullyingUK, nd). Finally, victims may self-harm due to their psychological instability. Victims feel they are always being judged and may begin engaging in harmful activities, such as drugs and alcohol, to temporarily alleviate their perpetual torment. Furthermore, the criticism made can lower their level of self-esteem to the point of developing mental illnesses, the most common being depression, which will implant suicidal thoughts in their minds, making them believe that living is pointless and that suicide is the best solution. only way to eliminate pain and sadness (Reyes, 2019). Know How to Stay Safe Online First of all, parents need to educate their children about cyberbullying. It is impossible to completely stop all acts of cyberbullying on the Internet. It is therefore crucial that children understand that cyberbullying is a real epidemic. Additionally, parents should teach them how to deal with cyberbullying if it happens to them. For example, children should ignore criticism and immediately block or report