“Cyber bullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm. [1]“ - Anna Maria Chavez. After advanced technology, a new type of bullying appears. Cyberbullying is repeated aggressive behavior that has several negative impacts on people, especially teenagers. According to ——- website, around 34% of teenagers experienced cyberbullying in Saudi Arabia.[2] This essay will discuss the main problems associated with cyberbullying and propose possible solutions.
”Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person.”[3]. Bullies meant to hurts others repeatedly by using online platforms such as social media applications, online video games, and emails. Furthermore, there are many types of cyberbullying. For example, verbal harassment, verbal or physical and psychological harassment, threat, and blackmail. Consequently, there are several negative impacts of cyberbullying on adolescents that will appear in the short or long term. For instance, symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, and school avoidance. Posting harmful and mean comments in order to insult others will be a reason for suicide in long term. Also, this might make others think this is the right way to imposing personality around teenagers. The consequences of this behavior for adolescents increasing over time and ignoring it will take a dangerous path.
A possible solution to stop cyberbullying and reduces its impacts is raising awareness in schools for both teenagers and families. Families playing an significant role in raising children and the strong relationship between parents and teenagers will make them feel free to ask for help when they need. Another solution that can help in solving the problem is asking for help from government platforms that impose penalties for these actions. Saudi Arabia government established the “Saudi Association for Information Security- Hemaya” [4] in order to increase information security outreach in Arab community. Hemaya has identified three entities that can be resorted to when teenagers exposed to cyberbullying. First, the Ministry of Interior through police stations, “klna amn” application, or through the “Absher” portal. Second, the Ministry of Culture and Information through their website. Third, the General Authority for Visual and Audio Media through their website formal or their account in the media.
In conclusion, teenagers exposed cyberbullying causes a lot of problems, including depression, isolation, low self-esteem, widespread cyberbullying around teenagers, and cause suicide in long term. A suggested solution to reduce the consequences of cyberbullying is raising the awareness of the potential dangers for teenagers and families in schools. An additional solution to face the problem is to contact government associations for help directly. Ignoring cyberbullying problems will take the consequences to the extreme. In the author opinion, contacting government associations for help is the best solution. Because of the Rapid response and containment of the problem, to find effective solutions. Besides, taking into account the psychological factor of the teenager exposed to bullying.
