SCOM 345

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Sociology

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Apr 3, 2024

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CYBERBULLYING SCOM 345: Persuasion

Introduction In the late 1990’s there was a series of events that sparked attention and cultivated a growing curiosity to an ever-increasing issue across the nation. As the public’s interest began to grow towards these events, a much bigger event was about to take place that would dwarf the previous events and bring national attention and awareness to a much larger issue. The smaller events were students being mistreated by their peers and parents complaining to their local schoolboard and city council. The event that took the nation by storm was the mass shooting at a public high school in Columbine, Colorado. As America watched the news outlets in amazement of the horrifying events that left thirteen people dead and twenty people injured, there was a question being asked that few had an answer to. The question was, “why did these kids do this?” As police and investigators scoured the area for answers and clues, they were provided with information that was haunting and disturbing. Much to everyone’s surprise, this was a retaliatory attack against bullies and the attackers had planned the attack on their school months in advance against the very people that had mistreated them. With the investigation ongoing America didn’t waste time in rallying, supporting and vying to eradicate bullying. The antibullying movement had begun and has morphed into other factions over the years. This is to include what will be discussed here; cyberbullying Ethical Foundation As Americas thirst for answers grew surrounding the tragic events of Columbine, Colorado, America also demanded answers to their questions. Questions surrounding the events leading up to the mass shooting event began to swirl. Questions like; What would cause these teenagers to

turn to violence? Where did they get the weapons? How did weapons make it aboard school campus? Who knew these teens were being bullied? Did anyone step in to provide help and assistance? As the antibullying movement grew in numbers and awareness, some began to ask if there was a need for the movement, if the movement was ethical and what was the ultimate goal of the movement. There are six ethical journalistic questions to be asked about the antibullying movement. The first ethical question, is the movement morally evil, distasteful, unpopular or unwise? Second, is the movement truly good or does it appear to be good because we desired it? The third ethical question, is it probable that the ethically bad means may or will actually achieve a good end? Forth, can the same good be achieved through other ethical means if the movement is patient, skillful, creative and determined? Fifth, is the end clearly better than that of the means in which it is attained? And last but not least, will the use of unethical means to achieve a good end or outcome withstand the scrutiny of the public? The antibullying movement wasn’t formed to punish or prosecute would be offenders. It was formed as a means to inform, bring awareness, and to provide assistance to those that fell victim to the hateful acts of bullying. The six ethical questions were believed to be in good faith and to bring about a better quality of life for those that the movement was advocating and trying to support. Ready….. The investigation surrounding the tragedy in Colorado in 1999 found that bullying was not limited to the proverbial school yard bully that was beating up and instilling fear through intimidation to fellow students for the purpose of taking their lunch or milk money. It was found

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that there was a list of bullying incidents that had a wide range of varying tactics. The weapons of choice among a new generation of bully was the cellphone and computer. The cell phone was able to send text messages, pictures and picture mail and the computer was capable of sending messages and large files of information to multiple people. These relatively new messaging systems were a great idea and invention if used for the right reasons and for its intended purpose. Unfortunately, there was a downside to these invention and people began to utilize these devices for purposes other than what they were intended. Often time’s negative and sometimes cruel messages sent using these devices. Some of these messages were sent directly to the victim while there were other instances where the victim had no knowledge of the message that was sent. This often times resulted in a group of individuals deciding to act out towards an individual or a smaller group of individuals. As is typical when a group of likeminded people start talking, they tend to influence, follow and provoke one another until there is an action by one or many against the intended victim. The cyberbullying movement is there to bring awareness and to provide information on how to recognize cyberbullying and what to do if someone is known to be a victim of cyberbullying. According to an article on education.com by Doctors Neil Tippett, Fran Thompson and Peter Smith, estimate that the extent of the problem “equates to 1 in 10 children having experienced being cyberbullied.” They continue to state that there are seven forms of cyberbullying, “mobile phone calls, text messages, picture/video clips, email, instant messaging, chat-rooms and websites.” The most prominent forms of cyberbullying were phone calls, texting and instant messages. This is a much different statistic than that from the Cyberbullying Research Center where their studies and reports find that “about 21% of teens have been cyberbullied and about 13% admitted to cyberbullying others.” The cyberbullying movement used computer messaging

and advertisements to deliver their message to potential victims and as a means of delivering a deterring message to would be offenders. Marketing and Advertisement As cyberbullying grew so did the anti-cyberbullying movement. The movement began to market themselves through advertisements that portrayed the many forms and tactics used by bullies as well as the many faces of those that were victims. The marketing and advertisements were often graphic and disturbing as they portrayed male and female teenagers being called names such as worthless, dyke and loser. They were also shown to be sad and teary eyed, having cuts and bruises and the subject of a suicidal acts. (Pinterest). The advertisements were designed and displayed in such a way that they attempted to change the attitudes of the bullies in hopes of causing them to stop their hurtful acts against others. There were other advertisements that were geared and generated towards the victims and innocent bystanders to take a stand and to join forces to stop the aggression and to refuse to tolerate the aggressive actions of cyberbullies. The old saying of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me are distant memory. The harsh reality is, words really do hurt, and they cause very serious and irreversible actions. The advertisements utilized by the anti-cyberbullying movement are powerful. They portray everyday teenagers and young adults with abusive messages carved into their bodies and metaphoric messages using boxing gloves with the word “slut” written on it. The advertisements also display a phone with sticks of dynamite attached. While these advertisements speak to the many actions and to the tactics used by bullies there are many others that provide guidance, encouragement and hope. These

advertisements use the power of language and the visual enhancement to support the idea and the belief that there are better days ahead and that the hellish torment of the aggressors will soon come to an end. The cyberbullying movement has also partnered with key and prominent figures to gain support for the campaign to stop cyberbullying. Set…. Cyberbullying is a faction of bullying. Though there is a difference between the two entities there are many similarities and they have much in common. The definition of bullying and cyberbullying is the unwanted and aggressive behavior among people. With this being said, “bullying is not a conflict; it is a form of victimization.” (stopbullying.gov) Since bullying and cyberbullying is recognized as a form of victimization, local, state and federal governments have stepped in to create and pass laws and policies addressing bullying, cyberbullying and other related behaviors. Currently there are only eight of our 50 states and territories that have laws only governing bullying and cyberbullying. The others have laws and policies that govern the protection of our children with regard to bullying and cyberbullying. (stopbullying.gov) Additionally, it is reported that, “15.5% of high school students are cyberbullied and 20.2% are bullied on school property.” (Pacer’s) This is the very reason the anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying movement started. It was through the continued and deliberate messaging and awareness by the movement that caused our elected officials and governments to get involved and have attempted to stop bullying and cyberbullying.

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The movement has utilized famous people and celebrities to speak on behalf of the movement to address the social flaws and downfalls of bullying and cyberbullying. Some celebrities have even gone as far as going public and stating that they too were the subject and a victim of bullying and cyberbullying. A few of the recently famous celebrities that have become victims are: Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Taylor Swift came forward on a daytime talk show and confessed to the world on national television that she was the victim of cyberbullying while in still in school at the beginning of her career. She also said that she was often alone but that she focused her energy towards her music. Selena Gomez stated that she was cyberbullied after pictures of her were published stating that she had gained weight. Just as Taylor Swift, Selena found solace in her music. If famous people are victims of cyberbullying, then is it safe to assume that everyone stands a chance of becoming a victim as well? These two ladies are not the only famous people to become victims, but they are using their status as a platform to bring greater awareness to a growing problem. Rally cry Cyberbullying is a major concern for not only the young and innocent but for the old and wise. Cyberbullying, as was mentioned earlier, takes many different forms and is implemented and utilized by many different tactics. Bullying and cyberbullying can happen to anyone at any time and for any reason. Remember, bullies do not care about demographics they only discriminate because someone is different. Cyberbullying is probably most prevalent and widely utilized because the hatred and negativity is widespread and the pain that is inflicted can have a lasting effect long after the initial incident has happened.

An article on Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center website says, “Students who are bullied report more physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, than other students.” (Pacer’s) It is for these reasons that cyberbullying is so advantageous to the bully. Because they can hide behind a screen or operate in the shadows and frequently they frequently spread their vile and hatred anonymously. Think of the harsh reality and the results that are obtained as a would be bully sends their anonymous message of hate. What must the recipient of this message think? Questions that may come to mind are: Who else received this? What will they think of me? How will I be able to face my family and friends after this? While these questions are merely the outer shell the deeper questions haven’t even begun to be asked yet. Depending on the situation this can be very traumatic. It may cause the symptoms listed above. But what happens to the victim if the bullying continues? The act of bullying and cyberbullying can, and often does, result in physical, emotional and mental wounds. Action! “Bullying and Cyberbullying are two of the most serious issues you will face in raising your children. These behaviors pose an immediate threat to your child's safety and if they are not handled swiftly they can cause long-term psychological damage that can affect everything from their personal relationships to their performance in school.” (Woda) Comments and statements like this are common and prompt action on behalf of anyone who should hear or read it. The effects of bullying are profound and often have serious, irreversible or permanent results. Therefore, the movement has leveraged the lawmakers and politicians to write and pass laws to

protect our children. In turn, or as a trickledown effect, school systems are working to devise, incorporate, implement and hold accountable those that choose to terrorize and victimize others. Social media is getting on board by making adjustments to their sites for their users. Facebook, for example, allows its users to report sexually explicit, harassing, hateful or offensive material by simply pressing a button. The word about cyberbullying and bullying is being addressed by some of Americas more popular children book authors. There are a whole host of authors that have written books about the topic of bullying and cyberbullying, a couple of the authors are: Anna Dewdney, Jane Lynch and Trudy Ludwig. The authors of these books have covered a wide range of age groups to ensure that when the time is right to talk about it the book is there to assist with explaining and teaching. The bullying and cyberbullying movement is not limited to the use of social media in delivering their message. The movement still produces billboard advertisements, posters and commercials to deliver the antibullying message. Messages and advertisements can also be seen and heard on television, radio, satellite radio and internet radio as well. As was previously stated, these messages that are designed to capture attention, to relate or appeal to the receiver and to cause action. In this case, the action or the involvement that is requested is to assist in eradicating and stopping the vicious cycle of bullying by aiding the victims and providing information on where victims can seek help. Final curtain The bullying and cyberbullying movement is very much alive and thriving in every social setting and structure throughout the nation. If there are two or more people present, then the

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opportunity for bullying exists regardless of the demographics. Remember, bullying is defined as aggressive an unwanted behavior. Cyberbullying, as was discussed, is often cloaked and is operating and thriving in the shadows. The number of victims that bullies claim are countless and the victims are often too scared or too ashamed to come forward to seek help and assistance. As parents, friends, caregivers, legal guardians, educators and medical staff, and the list goes on, we are all or should all contribute to eradicate bullies and return to a more peaceful environment. The power and influence of the bully can shift and a recurrence of Columbine, Colorado can happen again in any location.

Reference Cyberbullying Research Center. (n.d.). Cyberbullying Facts. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/facts Dower, E. (n.d.). let’s get along! 11 children’s books about bullying, teasing & empathy . Retrieved from https://www.familyeducation.com/life/dealing-bullies/lets-get-along-11- childrens-books-about-bullying-teasing-empathy Misdirections in Bullying Prevention and Intervention . Received from https://www.stopbullying.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/misdirections-in-prevention.pdf Official website of the United States Government. (n.d.). Laws & Policies . Retrieved from https://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/index.html Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. (n.d.). Bullying statistics. Retrieved from http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. (n.d.). Key Message and Talking Points. Retrieved from http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/key-messages.asp Pinerest. (n.d.). Bullying . Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/jlozanopinzon/bullying/

Tippett, N., Thompson, F., Smith, P. (2014, August 23). Research on Cyberbullying: Key findings and practical suggestions. Retrieved from https://www.education.com/reference/article/cyberbullying-research/ Whitson, S. (2013, December 4). Huffpost. 5 Things Adults Need to Know About Cyberbullying. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/signe-whitson/5-things-adults-need-to- know-about-cyberbullying_b_4044477.html Woda, T. (n. d.). Current Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Movements Around the Country . Retrieved from http://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/bid/274139/Current-Anti-Bullying- and-Cyberbullying-Movements-Around-the-Country

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