Chrisman school district makes plans to prevent cyberbullying
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With the popularity of social media, many teenagers and young adults have fallen victim to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that takes place on social media platforms and digital devices such as cellphones, tablets and computers.
In a study done in March of last year, a total of 90% of teens in the US believe cyber harassment is a problem; 15% of young cyberbullying victims would prefer to keep the issue a secret; Students are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide if they have been cyberbullied; 80% of teens say that others cyberbully because they think it is funny.
A total of 37% of bullying victims develop social anxiety; 59% of US teenagers have experienced bullying or harassment online; 14.5% of children between the ages of 9 and 12 have been cyberbullied and 66.3% of tweens tried to help the victim of cyberbullying.
Though Chrisman has a great community, they have also had issues with cyberbullying.
“Despite our best efforts to make all students feel safe, there have been a few cases of cyberbullying that have occurred this year that we have been made aware of,” Chrisman Principal Cole Huber said.
Internet harassment is not only real and damaging, it represents a threat to the most vulnerable among us: children.
Cyberbullying statistics show the high cost of online harassment. From increased depression and suicide rates to social anxiety and alienation, the pain and consequences of online harassment are as severe as they are undeniable.
At a Chrisman school board meeting last month, there was thoughts of making a program to prevent this issue. Developments are still in talks, but the program will be moving forward.
“Our students are being bombarded with so many influences, they need to be taught how to use it properly,” Huber said. “I hope we can create a safer culture for all of our students and they are educated on the ramifications of how their actions affect others and not just themselves.”
