Cyber Bullying has always been a problem, although with how popular social media and the internet is today it’s just been getting worse, about 44% of people online have experienced this kind of harassment. So, what is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harm and or threaten others. While the internet can be a positive tool, it can also be used to hurt others. Not only is cyberbullying hurtful, but it is also deadly as well. Many cases of cyberbullying end up with the victims committing suicide. Bullying online can have a negative impact on someone’s life off the internet.

     Many kids today get cyberbullied, but they can also bully others online, and the bullying can last years, and it can happen to someone more than once. It’s heartbreaking to hear about someone who ended their life because of someone’s cruel actions. There are many stories about cyberbullying victims and most of them have sad endings. Some people say “why not just block and report the person?” but it’s not that simple. Many create more than one account to continue harassing them, and if rumors start more people will not only be treating the victim differently, they can possibly join in on the bullying, and half of the time the sites where bullying happens do nothing more than recommending blocking the harasser or simply giving a warning to them. John Halligan, the father of cyberbullying victim Ryan Halligan said, “Technology was being utilized as weapons far more effective and reaching [than] the simple ones we had as kids,” which is true, it’s being used to hurt others.

     There were two interviews held with RP students, first, Allison Godinez, “No, I have not been cyberbullied.” “But yes, cyberbullying should end.” Second, was Abigail Monroy, “Yeah I have been cyberbullied, it was on Twitter I commented something on their post and they started being rude out of nowhere,” “It made me feel a bit sad, and it really lowered my self-esteem.”

     Cyberbullying is dangerous, and if we don’t do something about it many more will continue hurting others, and getting hurt. If you or anyone you know is getting cyberbullied, or they are bullying others, don’t be afraid to tell someone you trust. Intervening is the best thing that can happen rather than trying to take care of it yourself. Remember before saying anything online, think about it, is it kind? How will it make people feel? Will it hurt them? If it is, don’t say it, because you can seriously harm people and impact their lives in a negative way.Unless and until our society recognizes cyberbullying for what it is, the suffering of thousands of silent victims will continue.[/pullquote]