The Effects of Cyberbullying
Imagine that someone posts a lie about you online. At first, only a few people see it. Then, more and more people share it. Soon, hundreds or even millions of people see it, and start to believe that the lie is true.
This is cyberbullying, and it happens more and more everyday.
Cyberbullying happens when someone posts or shares insulting or harmful messages online to hurt or embarrass another person. It can make people feel scared, sad, or lonely. It can also cause anxiety, depression, and in very serious cases, even death.
Although technology helps in many ways, it definitely has a dark side. Bullies can use the internet to spread rumors and hurt others, committing violence and crime. Once a rumor is posted online and is spread all over the internet, it is very difficult to correct or erase. According to a poll released by UNICEF in 2019, 1 in 3 young people in 30 countries said they have been victims of online bullying. Among them, 1 in 5 people skipped school due to cyberbullying.
ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), the group of university student volunteers of the World Mission Society Church of God, took action to reduce crime by holding an Anti-Cyberbullying Forum on April 28, 2022 in Middletown, Connecticut.
ASEZ Taking Action Combating Cyberbullying
The forum began with an introduction of ASEZ activities. This included their cyberbullying efforts, along with lectures and Q&A from panelists. Lieutenant David Godwin and many officers from the Middletown Police Department, also attended.
Students from middle school, high school, and college came to learn what cyberbullying is. They learned grim statistics on cyberbullying, the effects it has on its victims, and various stories of cyberbullying incidents. Kayla Dutreuil mentioned the harmful effects of cyberbullying saying, “What you put on the Internet never goes away, no matter how hard you try.”
The panelists of Middletown police officers shared real examples of cyberbullying they have experienced or have seen on a daily basis. They shared the importance of being responsible when using social media — emphasizing that we should not only understand cyberbullying, but take actions to prevent it.
The speakers also talked about how parents can help protect their children online. They underscored the importance of detecting a child’s exposure to online violence and understanding how to cope with it. Those who gathered at the forum pledged to spread awareness about cyberbullying and help to reduce the impact on its victims.
Our Brighter Future, Together
After the vibrant Q&A of the Anti-Cyberbullying forum, the members of the Middletown Police Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASEZ to reduce crime, and pledged to work with ASEZ to combat cyberbullying more in the future.
Lieutenant Godwin, praised ASEZ saying, “The presentation was unbelievable and you guys are skilled at what you do.”
Police Officer Jay Bodell expressed, “Cyberbullying [awareness] is for everyone. You’re all doing amazing work . . . You make people like me and my job easier.”
Deja, a Middlesex Community College undergrad said, “It was touching to see a lot of support actually coming from our community, including the Middletown Police.” She expressed gratitude to the police officers for their support of ASEZ.
Together with our local heroes who work for others behind the scenes, ASEZ will continue to create a safer online experience for everyone.
To see more ASEZ volunteer activities in Connecticut, please click here.
