Strategies for Dealing with Cyberbullying. Research Paper

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Strategies for Dealing with Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a form of harassment and bullying using electronic methods. In modern society, cyberbullying has become very common among the youths. Today people can use the internet to harass other people. Harmful bullying behaviors include threats, posting rumors, sexual remarks, and pejorative labels. Bullying can also be referred to as intent to harm. Victims who have been cyberbullied experience low self-esteem, have different emotional responses and have suicidal reactions. Some might even be depressed, angry, and frustrated. Although cyberbullying cannot be found on the scripture, some synonyms are associated with such behaviors. They include savage beasts, thieves, and assassins (Isaiah 19.11, Psalms 49: 10). In the Bible, there are biblical principles that apply to the case of cyberbullying. Christians should use these principles to deal with those people who intimidate and threaten them.
The term cyberbullying is a derivative of the bullying that traditionally meant the use of abusive words, verbal teasing, and physical aggression directed towards individuals who are not able to defend themselves. These bullying behaviors are usually committed systematically and repeatedly toward the victim. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying uses electronic media with a motive of harming and causing humiliation, despair, and fear for the individual being targeted. Cyberbullies can use social media, email, cell phones, and direct messages to commit their actions. Besides, cyberbullying has a more comprehensive audience coverage compared to its traditional counterpart since it takes place in a pragmatic space and time where freedom of expression is allowed without any social restrictions. Because of this broader coverage, it has more damage to the victims. A study conducted by Hawker & Boulton indicates that 35% of youth are cyberbullied at least once in their teens (Bottino et al., 469). For any action to be classified as cyberbullying, it has to meet three conditions; it must have been intentionally committed, it has to occur repeatedly and cause psychological harm to the targeted individuals. Cyberbullying majorly harms the reputation of victims involved.
There are other outstanding characteristics of cyberbullies. Apart from intentionally commuting their actions, the cyberbullies will always try to cause distress and harm to the victims. They repeatedly act on their identified victims. Cyberbullying can be physical, verbal, and social. With the increased use of mobile phones and computers, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue today. The Bible does not mention or define cyberbully, but it commands people to love their neighbors as they love themselves (Mark 12.31). Believers are not allowed to abuse or belittle their fellow Christians. Regardless of an individual's actions, or looks, everyone was created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26). Therefore everyone deserves and is worthy of dignity. People are supposed to honor God with their words and actions. People should always examine their actions and motives and ensure they are lined up with the standards God has set for them (Psalms 139: 23).
To more effectively deal with cyberbullying, it is necessary to understand the root cause of the problem or the motive behind such actions. According to Aricak et al., most cyberbullying usually starts with relationship issues, which include jealousy, break-ups, ganging up or forceful relationships, and infatuation. The cyberbullies generally want to humiliate or ruin reputation as an act of revenge and an expression of anger. The majority of the cyberbullies are male; however, cyber victimization is common amongst both males and females (Aricak et ai 282). The results of cyber victimization, on the other hand, is more distressing to females than in males. Identifying the root cause of bullying can help the victims to remain in control of their emotions. Besides, the logical reason may help in reducing overreactions, which is a source of entertainment for the cyberbullies. Overreaction gives the kind of feedback they expect.
A person should not respond immediately. One of the main aims of cyberbullying is to annoy and confuse a person who is targeted. When a person is cyberbullied, they tend to be emotional. Thus the victims must remain calm. In case one is threatened or tagged in a photo that makes them uncomfortable, it is good not to react. One should have some emotional distance and think before responding. According to the Bible, Christians are asked to be courageous and strong. They should not be terrified or afraid because God is with them. The Bible asserts that "he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31.6). Therefore, it is advisable not to respond immediately when cyberbullied. Psychologists argue that remaining calm gives the brain more time to produce logical responses (Piesch et al. 125). Besides, the immediate response provides an emotional response, which may sometimes be irrational, leading to more confusion. In the process, the results of cyberbully become more intense.
Cases of cyberbullying should also be reported to the authorities. Today, various social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email want their users to feel safe online. They do not want their users to experience cyberbullying, and that is why they have numerous built-in tools to keep their customers safe. If one is tired of reporting and blocking cyberbullies within the social media platforms, it is vital...