There is no doubt that we live in a very technological society. Many of us even as adults have a hard time shutting off our apps and iPhones so imagine the pressure for young people today to keep up with social media. There is no way to argue that technology has a profound influence on our young people and the way that they relate to each other and society. Leaving your digital footprint is something that previous generations knew nothing about because it didn’t exist. While there are so many wonderful learning opportunities and positive aspects about the internet and social media one could argue that there are also very negative aspects as well especially when it comes to cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place via a social media platform. The real devastating issue in regards to cyberbullying is that many students feel that they can not escape it. With today’s youth, it typically takes place over FaceBookng, Instagram, or Snapchat. The problem with Cyberbullying is that children can hide behind a screen saying hurtful things that they would not otherwise say to one another if they were face to face.

The sad fact is that research has suggested that not only are children who are cyberbullied over time more likely than those not to face issues in their lives such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem but they are also more likely to be isolated and lonely which leads to them not wanting to attend school. Research also leads us to believe that the child who is cyberbullying or bullying other children, in general, are at a much higher risk for severe anti-social behaviors, problems at school, drug and alcohol abuse, and combative behavior.

This is a huge issue for teachers, parents, and the community as a whole because students need to be taught responsible digital citizenship when it comes to respectfully engaging with one another online.