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Cyber Bullying - There Are No Consequences
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What is cyber bullying? Well, cyber bullying involves using a technological device to send mean and hurtful messages to others.
We all know how harmful bullying can be in real life. Correct me if I’m wrong, but... Isn't that the reason a whole lot of us are escaping here to the Internet in the first place? Don’t look at me like that, you know I’m right. Anyway, this is the Internet, and on the Internet, anything goes. There are no consequences and no ramifications, so we can say what we like about whom we like, and that’s okay, because we’re not physically hurting them. We’re not even seeing them face-to-face – so how could that be bullying? It’s all just a bit of fun!
In the wise words of JD from my favourite TV show, Scrubs, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will hurt forever.”
It doesn't matter what you’re throwing - fists, words or text – it still hurts. Bullying is bullying, be it cyber-, emotional-, or physical-. And you know what? Bullying is not okay, and here’s why:
52% of students claim to have experienced cyber bulling.
37% of teens admit to being bullied while at school.
52% of teens don’t tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs.
Victims of bulling are between 2 to 9 times more likely to commit suicide.
Suicide is the third most common cause of death in teenagers, causing about 4400 deaths per year. For every successful suicide, there are at least 100 attempts.
14% of students have considered suicide, and 7% have attempted it.
Pretty disturbing statistics, right?
Just think about it: your words could be the cause of some poor person’s death. People are fragile, far more so than we’d think, and the tiniest little push could send them right over the edge. Cyber bullying is incredibly dangerous, because you don’t know anything about the person you’re attacking. You don’t know about their personal life and you don’t know what they might be going through, so it’s so easy to accidentally hit a nerve, and possibly destroy that person’s life for good.
As a bullying victim myself – both cyber and otherwise – in my early childhood, I can tell you from experience that all this is true.
I remember almost every cruel thing that was said to me, and I realize now the effects that the bullying had on me.
It destroyed my self-confidence completely, it nearly got me expelled from school because I so loathed attending, and it made it nearly impossible for me to socialize or communicate with anybody for a pretty long time. I’m sure many of you can relate, because on Ponybox, we are all unique individuals, and you know what? Society fears that. And people always attack what they don’t understand.
My point, you ask? Well, it’s this: Bullying is never okay. You may think it’s a joke, but the victim never will. It’s hurtful and it’s dangerous, because you never know what your words might lead your victim to do, and nobody wants that on their conscience... All it takes is one word to end or save a life. Which would you choose?
Speak up against cyber bullying; I challenge you now. How do you feel about it? |
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PonyBox
 MOD
Thanks Polo! I don't think many people realize the effects their comments can have on someone.
Thanks Polo! I don't think many people realize the effects their comments can have on someone.
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Feb 10, 2013
• 7,249 views
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Faith forever
Amazing article Polo! I've been bullied myself. But I can never get the courage to hurt myself over it. I judge people on their character. I feel if somebody is very rude to me I feel I shouldn't have to take and I walk away.
Amazing article Polo! I've been bullied myself. But I can never get the courage to hurt myself over it. I judge people on their character. I feel if somebody is very rude to me I feel I shouldn't have to take and I walk away.
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Feb 10, 2013
• 5,856 views
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RainbowNerd01
My friend has been bullied pretty badly in school and now is moving schools because of it. Because of what people said she cut herself. I hope people know what damage it causes the persons and their family and close friends.
My friend has been bullied pretty badly in school and now is moving schools because of it. Because of what people said she cut herself. I hope people know what damage it causes the persons and their family and close friends.
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Feb 10, 2013
• 5,852 views
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Dashwood
This is a brilliant article, and so true! Having been bullied quite badly for the past 4 years of my life, I know that all of this is true.
Absolutely brilliant. :)
This is a brilliant article, and so true! Having been bullied quite badly for the past 4 years of my life, I know that all of this is true.
Absolutely brilliant. :)
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Feb 10, 2013
• 5,839 views
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Run Free
Brilliant article polo. Really well written article on such a sensitive article
*gasps* polo has been bullied *loads imaginary shotgun*
Brilliant article polo. Really well written article on such a sensitive article
*gasps* polo has been bullied *loads imaginary shotgun*
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Feb 10, 2013
• 5,801 views
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Kaori
I could kiss you for writing this. And I mean that as a figure of speech...
I've been bullied for most of my life, cyber and to my face. Both types are awful, and I'll never understand what possesses people to do that kind of damage to another person.
More people need to realize the effects of bullying, I'm so glad you wrote this article so the people of ponybox can understand.
I could kiss you for writing this. And I mean that as a figure of speech...
I've been bullied for most of my life, cyber and to my face. Both types are awful, and I'll never understand what possesses people to do that kind of damage to another person.
More people need to realize the effects of bullying, I'm so glad you wrote this article so the people of ponybox can understand.
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Feb 10, 2013
• 5,912 views
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Milly
I love this article. It is so true.
I've been bullied too and it is a horrendous ordeal to go through. But as strange as it might sound, it made me a better person. I stood up to them and showed them I was better and gained confidence in the long run.
I love this article. It is so true.
I've been bullied too and it is a horrendous ordeal to go through. But as strange as it might sound, it made me a better person. I stood up to them and showed them I was better and gained confidence in the long run.
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Feb 10, 2013
• 6,033 views
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Feb 11, 2013
• 5,635 views
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StormPonyLover
Great article, it is so true! I am to young to go on Facebook, so I haven't been cyber bullied yet. I have been bullied in real life :(
Great article, it is so true! I am to young to go on Facebook, so I haven't been cyber bullied yet. I have been bullied in real life :(
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Apr 23, 2013
• 5,355 views
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