Addressing Cyber Bullying: A Call for Stricter Punishments

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Introduction:

Cyber bullying, a pervasive issue in the digital age, demands urgent attention. According to The Cyber Bullying Research Center, over 1.35 billion monthly active Facebook users worldwide, 200 million monthly active Instagram users, and 36 million monthly active Twitter users face the alarming reality of online harassment. Shockingly, half of these users have been or are being bullied online, resulting in severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and even suicide (Cyber Bullying Research, 2010). This essay contends that to combat the detrimental effects of cyber bullying, our society must establish stringent punitive measures for those responsible.

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Cyber bullying, constituting a form of teen violence, inflicts lasting harm on young individuals. To curtail its prevalence, the nation must institute rigorous punishments for perpetrators. This essay explores the gravity of cyber bullying, delves into its root causes, and proposes comprehensive solutions to mitigate its impact.

Body:

The Gravity of Cyber Bullying

Why is cyber bullying a problem of such magnitude? The consequences are tragically evident when young individuals resort to self-harm, suicide, or violence against others.

The advent of new technologies, including cell phones with cameras, social networking sites, and instant messaging, has provided adolescents and pre-teens with new platforms for torment (Great Schools Staff, 2013). According to Hinduja (2005), cyber bullying can commence as early as nine or ten years old, contributing to the alarming statistics that reveal 15% of children have received threatening messages online or on their phones (Digital Trends Staff, 2006). The story of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, who tragically took her own life after being cyber bullied, epitomizes the devastating real-world impact of this issue.

Cyber bullying is not confined to school hours or physical spaces; it invades the personal sanctuaries of children, reaching them through their phones and computers. Recent surveys, as reported by The Digital Trends Staff, indicate that 15% of children have received threatening messages online or on their phones. The majority of those victimized are girls, and the repercussions extend beyond school premises, infiltrating the sanctity of their homes and minds. This insidious form of bullying, carried out with relative anonymity, can have profound and sometimes fatal consequences, as illustrated by the tragic case of Rebecca Sedwick.

Root Causes of Cyber Bullying

The causes of cyber bullying align with those of traditional bullying, with the added allure of anonymity in the digital realm. Popular teens may engage in cyber bullying to maintain their status, deriving a sense of power from hurting others. On the other hand, socially less successful individuals may turn to cyber bullying as a coping mechanism for their own low self-esteem, attempting to fit in or alleviate their struggles with empathy (Stopbullying.gov, 2014). The online environment further facilitates cyber bullying through factors such as anonymity, ignorance of consequences, and social pressure (Delete Cyber Bullying, 2013). Understanding these root causes is crucial in formulating effective strategies to combat cyber bullying.

As we delve deeper into the motivations behind cyber bullying, it becomes evident that the anonymity provided by online platforms contributes significantly to its prevalence. The National Council on Crime Prevention reports that 81% of teenagers believe others engage in cyber bullying because they find it amusing. The lack of face-to-face interaction shields bullies from witnessing the immediate impact of their actions, fostering ignorance regarding the profound consequences of their behavior. Additionally, social pressure and the normalization of such behavior among peers can further perpetuate the cycle of cyber bullying (Delete Cyber Bullying, 2013).

Solutions to Mitigate Cyber Bullying

To address the severity of cyber bullying, it is imperative to increase the consequences for perpetrators. First and foremost, expulsion from school should be the immediate consequence for those initiating cyber bullying, emphasizing the gravity of their actions. Additionally, participants in cyber bullying should face suspension for a specified duration, with the incident documented on their school records. This not only holds individuals accountable but serves as a deterrent for future offenses. Community service for a year is another effective punitive measure, fostering remorse and awareness of the harm caused by cyber bullying.

For cases where cyber bullying leads to severe consequences, such as a victim taking their own life, legal repercussions are necessary. Perpetrators should face imprisonment, acknowledging their direct role in the tragic outcome. By imposing harsher punishments, society can send a clear message that cyber bullying is an intolerable offense with severe consequences.

While punitive measures are essential, preventive strategies are equally crucial. Educational programs promoting empathy, tolerance, and responsible online behavior can contribute to creating a safer digital environment for all. Schools, parents, and online platforms must collaborate to implement comprehensive anti-cyber bullying initiatives.

Conclusion:

Today's discourse has shed light on the imperative need to intensify punishments for cyber bullying to prevent its perpetuation. The gravity of the issue has been underscored by its profound impact on the mental well-being and lives of young individuals. Understanding the root causes is essential in formulating effective solutions, and the essay has proposed stringent punitive measures to curtail cyber bullying.

By increasing punishments and consequences, we can create a society that actively rejects cyber bullying. Expulsion, suspension, and community service serve as immediate deterrents, while legal consequences are necessary for cases resulting in severe harm. It is incumbent upon us to unite against all forms of bullying, demanding an end to this pervasive issue. Through collective action and the implementation of stricter measures, we can build a safer digital space for future generations.