Cyberbullying: A Growing Threat

In the movie Back to the Future, there's a scene where Biff and his gang constantly bully the main character, Marty. This kind of behavior, where one person or a group repeatedly harasses someone, is called "bullying." When bullying happens online through the internet or smartphones, it’s referred to as "cyberbullying."

If you search for "cyberbullying" online, you’ll find heartbreaking headlines like “Children Dying in a Prison Without Bars: The Impact of Cyberbullying” and “Teenagers’ Dangerous Pranks: The Rise of Cyberbullying.” These titles alone show how serious the problem is.

Cyberbullying became a major social issue in the U.S. and Europe after tragic incidents like the 1999 school shooting by a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl’s suicide in 2006, both linked to online harassment. In South Korea, attention surged after high-profile incidents, such as celebrity suicides and the 2011 case of a middle school student in Daegu taking his own life due to cyberbullying.

What Makes Cyberbullying Different?

   

   Anonymity:Cyberbullying often allows the attacker to stay anonymous, making it easier to harass others without feeling guilty. Victims, on the other hand, don’t know who is targeting them, leading to feelings of isolation and mistrust.

Wider Impact:Cyberbullying spreads quickly and can involve large audiences, turning bystanders into passive participants.

 

Constant Presence:Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen anytime and anywhere, as long as a smartphone or computer is connected to the internet. This constant exposure intensifies the victim's fear and anxiety.

According to a 2013 survey on cyberbullying among South Korean students, 29.2% of elementary, middle, and high school students reported being victims. Shockingly, 39% of middle schoolers and 38.4% of high schoolers admitted to having bullied others online. The number of reported cyberbullying cases has continued to rise, from 900 in 2012 to over 2,100 in 2016.

 

Effects of Cyberbullying

The consequences of cyberbullying are severe. Victims often experience low self-esteem, depression, anger, social withdrawal, and even suicidal thoughts. Physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia are common, as well as poor academic performance and increased school absences.

 

Why Does Cyberbullying Happen?

Cyberbullying stems from a mix of personal and social factors. The anonymity and lack of face-to-face interaction in cyberspace make it easier for individuals to act aggressively. Research shows that students who experience high levels of stress or frustration in school are more likely to engage in cyberbullying as an outlet for their negative emotions.

How Can We Prevent Cyberbullying?

 

Education:Schools should provide continuous education on internet ethics and responsible online behavior. Case studies can help students understand the real-life consequences of cyberbullying.

 

Legal Measures:South Korea does not yet have a specific law addressing cyberbullying. While the "School Violence Prevention Act" mentions "cyber ostracism," there are no clear punishment guidelines for offenders. New laws specifically targeting cyberbullying are urgently needed.

Currently, schools in South Korea are required to take action against bullying cases within a set timeframe: 7 days to protect the victim and 14 days to punish the offender. Disciplinary actions include written apologies, suspension, community service, or even expulsion.

A Wake-Up Call

To understand the impact of cyberbullying, I tried a simulation app called "Cyber Violence Vaccine." The experience showed how relentless harassment in group chats, along with the spread of harmful messages, photos, and videos, can completely crush someone’s spirit.

With over 90% of South Korean students using smartphones today, it’s time for us to think deeply about how we can protect our children and raise them to be emotionally healthy in the digital age.