Why does cyber bullying start

As a result, these kids succumb to peer pressure in order to be accepted at school, even if it means going against their better judgment. These bullies are more concerned with fitting in than they are worried about the consequences of cyberbullying. Other times, groups of friends will cyberbully together because there is a false sense of security in numbers. When teens believe lots of people are bullying online, they are more likely to engage in the behavior themselves.

Cyberbullying can be a manifestation of social status. Kids who are popular often make fun of kids who are less popular. They use the Internet to perpetuate relational aggression and mean behavior. They also will spread rumors and gossip and may even ostracize others through cyberbullying. Meanwhile, kids who are trying to climb the social ladder at school or gain some social power will resort to cyberbullying to get attention. They also might cyberbully to diminish the social status of another person.

Cyberbullies have a range of different motivations, but the general goal is to increase their own power by reducing the power of someone else. The anonymity of the Internet gives kids a false sense of security. In fact, a significant number of kids who do not bully face-to-face will still engage in cyberbullying. In fact, several studies have found that a large number of students who engaged in online bullying reported not feeling anything for the victims after bullying online.

Instead, many kids reported that online bullying made them feel funny, popular, and powerful. To prevent your kids from cyberbullying others, be sure you talk to them about the consequences of bullying others. Aside from the ramifications for online bullying, make sure they know how cyberbullying makes others feel.

By instilling empathy and empowering them to make good choices, you will reduce the likelihood that they will engage in this damaging behavior. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. High school students' perceptions of motivations for cyberbullying: An exploratory study. West J Emerg Med. How does peer pressure impact bullying behavior? Updated November Peebles E. Cyberbullying: Hiding behind the screen. Paediatr Child Health. Are cyberbullies less empathic?

Adolescents' cyberbullying behavior and empathic responsiveness. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. Mar 25, Teens and Pre-Teens. Feb 2, Jan 4, Dec 7, Girls Victimized More Than Boys. Nov 2, Why Students Cyberbully. Oct 5, Mar 2, May 1, One in Five Experience Cyberbullying. Allies Against Online Harassment. Nevertheless, there are some things young people can do to protect themselves online: 3 Keep privacy settings on.

Secure all online information. Protect their usernames and passwords. Do not share them with friends. Choose friends wisely, including virtual contacts. Only accept close friends on social networking sites.