What is cyber bullying? According to stopbullying.gov cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.

With the rise of social media use in today’s teens as well as adults, cyberbullying is a common occurrence. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.

Cyberbullying can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else that can cause embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

According to a recent Twitter poll, taken by Ripon High students, 29% of people reported being bullied over social media. In another poll, 18% of people also reported being cyberbullied. Although in the minority for ways of being bullied, cyberbullying is unique to the fact that anyone can see it take place resulting in an unlimited amount of bystanders. The other problem posed is that cyberbullying can literally take place 24 hours a day every day making it hard for victims to find relief.

Being a bystander can be just as bad as being the bully in some cases. Hunter Taberna, a junior at Ripon High who has been a bystander to cyberbullying said, “I’ve witnessed cyberbullying, but I haven’t taken part in it; I could’ve told the person that was doing the bullying to stop or leave him alone… Not doing so made me feel bad that people feel the need to put other people down.”

Although some may see bullying as just fun and games it can affect the victims extremely; an anonymous student of Ripon High shared their thoughts on the matter, “Getting bullied makes you feel separated as if you don’t belong. Whether it’s done through the internet, physically, or verbally, which is most popular and happens every day. People often times don’t realize that they are bullying and just consider it joking around. Negative jokes about people can have a huge impact on the person. We don’t know what people are going through and that joke could cause the person to do something harmful, whether it’s to themselves or others.”

Often times when students are cyberbullied, they feel like they can’t do anything about it because of what other people may think, such as the person can’t take a joke, is being too sensitive, or overdramatic. Robert Kiyosaki said, “A lot of people are afraid to tell the truth, to say no. That’s where toughness comes into play. Toughness is not being a bully. It’s having a backbone.”

So how do we stop cyberbullying? According to stopbullying.gov, the first step is to document and report what is being said online to have the post or comment removed. If there are threats of physical harm or illegal activity present, people are instructed to contact police and get help. However, this only solves the problem on the surface. Placing an emphasis on treating others well in today’s society is what’s needed to truly diminish bullying.