Humber College Report: Preventing Cyberbullying and Protecting Victims

This report, submitted by Maksym Klymenchenko to Professor Syeda Rownak Afza, offers a comprehensive overview of cyberbullying. It defines cyberbullying as harassment via electronic means and highlights its persistent, permanent, and often hard-to-notice nature. The report delves into the effects of cyberbullying, emphasizing the increased risk of suicidal tendencies among victims. It outlines various cyberbullying tactics, including posting hurtful comments, sharing embarrassing pictures, and impersonation. The report then explores prevention strategies, such as educating parents, involving healthcare providers, reporting incidents, and identifying and supporting victims. It stresses the importance of proactive measures to protect young people and children from online harassment, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence and severity of cyberbullying and its devastating consequences. The research is based on peer-reviewed sources from the Humber College library, providing a strong foundation for the presented arguments.

Preventing Cyberbullying
Student: Maksym Klymenchenko
Professor: Syeda Rownak Afza

Date: March 28, 2019
To: Syeda Rownak Afza
From: Maksym Klymenchenko
Subject: Preventing Cyberbullying
This report provides a brief insight into cyberbullying, its effects and ways to prevent it.
My research indicates that cyberbullying is an unlawful practice that can lead a person to cause
serious harm to themselves or others. Consequently, the report provides a number of methods
that can help prevent cyberbullying or at the very least reduce its impact on a victim.
1. Parents should be proactive in understanding the need for preventing cyberbullying.
2. Healthcare providers are very much aware of the negative outcomes of
cyberbullying. Therefore, they can act as a motivator for victims of cyberbullying and
urge them not to take any drastic steps.
3. Cyberbullying is a crime and therefore, must be reported.
4. Often, victims of cyberbullying feel like the whole world are against them.
Consequently, they should be made aware that they are not alone. Communication is
the key
My research was completed using a number of peer-reviewed resources available at Humber
library database. However, due to the complexity of the subject matter, it only covers a small
part of the issue.
Thank you for reviewing the report and providing feedback about my research.

Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................................................................................4
1. Cyberbullying........................................................................................................................................5
2. Effects of cyberbullying.........................................................................................................................6
3. Cyberbullying Tactics............................................................................................................................6
4. Prevention of Cyberbullying.................................................................................................................7
4.1. Role of Health care Providers in preventing cyberbullying........................................................8
4.2. Reporting the cases of Cyberbullying...........................................................................................9
4.3. Identifying and Talking to the Victim...........................................................................................9
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................................9
References................................................................................................................................................10

Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to identify ways to prevent cyberbullying. However, in order to
prevent something a person must know what that thing is and the ways it is done. Therefore, the
report provides insight into the following –
1. Identification of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a relatively new phenomenon,
and some people may not be aware of its impact.
2. Effects of cyberbullying. The reason the cyberbullying must be stopped is that
many of its victims display suicidal tendencies.
3. Cyberbullying tactics. Cyberbullying is a general term. We need to be aware of
its most common and damaging ways, in order to know how to fight it.
4. Prevention of cyberbullying. The report covers a number of ways cyberbullying
can be prevented: talking to the victims, raising awareness in parents, showing
the importance of reporting cyberbullying, and imploring healthcare
professionals.
This report is based on the research conducted using peer-reviewed sources available at Humber
College library.
1. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that is executed by electronic means.
Cyberbullying, therefore, involves making use of the technology to harass, threaten or embarrass
a person. Cyberbullying harms the online reputation of not only the person being bullied but also
everyone related to the victim (Kowalski et al., 2014). Cyberbullying can be easily categorized,
as it has certain unique characteristics and concerns. The concerns related to cyberbullying are as
follows-
Persistent: Digital devices provide the ability to continuously communicating all
throughout the day (Whittaker & Kowalski, 2015). Thus a person who is experiencing
cyberbullying finds it difficult to find relief from cyberbullying.
Permanent: Cyberbullying leaves a huge impact on the victim. Particularly because
most of the information that is being communicated thorough cyberbullying is permanent and
public unless such information is reported and/or removed. A negative online reputation of a
person who is being bullied can severely impact the person, including their admission in
colleges, employment and social life. Therefore, permanent information presence can be
considered as a major concern related to cyberbullying.
Hard to Notice: The effects on children and adults suffering from cyberbullying are
often hard to notice (Rice et al., 2015). The teachers and the parents of the victim may not realize
that their friends or family members are suffering from cyberbullying.
Moreover, despite a significant number of laws and sanctions associated with cyberbullying, the
amount and frequency of cyberbullying increases at a significant rate (Waasdorp & Bradshaw,
2015). The main reason of such increase is mainly because this type of crime is difficult to
identify. Furthermore, cyberbullying can also happen accidentally. The impersonal nature of the
text messages or emails can unintentionally lead to cyberbullying (Beran et al., 2015).
2. Effects of cyberbullying

Bullying is no longer limited to the schoolyard, as modern-day bullying can happen both
at home and in school. Cyberbullying is dangerous as it can spread quite easily through the
Internet. A long-term or frequent cyberbullying can leave the victims at risk of irreparable
damage. Cyberbullying experts say that the kids, who are bullied, show a high rate of suicidal
tendency.
Therefore, the negative effects of cyberbullying are needed to be recognized, so that
preventive actions can be identified (Van Geel, Vedder & Tanilon, 2014). Cyberbullying has a
prominent effect on children, teens and adults, who feel distressed when they are bullied online.
Cyberbullying has a significant effect on day to day life of an individual.
Repeated cyberbullying can not only affect an individual’s mental health but can also
drive an individual towards suicide (Aboujaoude et al., 2015). Therefore, prevention of
cyberbullying becomes a necessity. Consequently, it becomes essential to understand
cyberbullying tactics.
3. Cyberbullying Tactics
It is important to understand the process by which a person can be cyberbullied so that
preventive actions can be taken (Patchin & Hinduja, 2015). The following points indicate the
cyberbullying tactics that can help recognize the actions that can be taken to prevent it.
One of the most significant cyberbullying tactics is online posting of hurtful and
embarrassing comments or rumours about someone. Knowing this tactic can help in identifying
cyberbullying. Posting mean or hurtful picture or video can be another form of cyberbullying;
therefore, it should be identified and addressed. Cyberbullying also involves the posting of the
hateful names and hurtful comments about the appearance of a person online.
Pretending to be someone else can be another sign of cyberbullying (Corcoran, Guckin,
& Prentice,2015). Pretending to be someone else indicate posting of personal and private
information about that person.
The above-discussed points indicate the processes by which cyberbullying tactics can be
identified. However, cyberbullying can happen in a number of ways. Some cyberbullying can be
low-level harassment while others can be serious and may lead to violence,. Some examples of
cyberbullying include lies and false accusations, bullied for being economically challenged and
others.

Cyberbullying can be quite serious leading its victims to self-harm or suicide. A perfect
example is a case of a young boy being harassed on social media for having a scar on his face.
The boy was being called with derogatory names which drove him towards taking his own life
(Bauman, 2014).
Thus, it becomes quite essential to identify cyberbullying tactics so that cyberbullying
can be prevented.
4. Prevention of Cyberbullying
Research on cyberbullying is relatively recent in comparison to the research that is being
done on face-to-face bullying. Technological innovation has completely changed the way people
interact with one another. Thanks to technology, people can communicate with anyone for hours.
Even a decade ago, technology was not so advanced that cyberbullying could have been an issue.
However, with the rapid increase in the use of technology, cyberbullying increases as well.
Cyberbullying has gradually increased to a point where it is resulting in serious crimes.
Therefore, prevention of cyberbullying becomes a necessity. This section of the report will be
identifying major cyberbullying prevention techniques. A common strategy of cyberbullying
includes targeting a particular individual over social media (Hinduja & Patchin, 2014). The
frequency and serious consequences of cyberbullying can be prevented by following a planned
approach. Cyberbullying prevention and intervention are necessary in order to save the youths
and children from getting harassed online. The methods of prevention of cyberbullying are
highlighted in the paragraphs below.
Since cyberbullying mainly targets young people and children, it is quite essential to keep
the parents informed about cyberbullying. There are certain websites that target parents to make
them aware of cyberbullying (Wölfer et al., 2014). Various researches prove that parents have a
strong role to play in minimizing cyberbullying. Therefore, parents should be used to design
certain strategies that can help in targeting cyberbullying. Parents should be proactive in
understanding the need for preventing cyberbullying. However, in order to do so, they need to be
aware of the various causes and tactics that may be employed in cyberbullying.

Identification of the cause of harassment is necessary. In order to address the issues and
problems related to cyberbullying, parents have to be informed and educated about cyberbullying
and the factors that can affect an individual.
Apart from that, it has been observed that cyberbullying mostly happens in schools and
colleges. The administration of those institutions needs to be aware of the cyberbullying
techniques and should take necessary measures to ensure that the cyberbullying does not start in
school (Wölfer et al., 2014).
4.1. Role of Health care Providers in preventing cyberbullying
A healthcare provider can play a significant role in the prevention of cyberbullying. In
the past few years, healthcare providers have been urged to take an active initiative in the
prevention of the long term health consequences related to cyberbullying. Healthcare providers
may have a good knowledge about cyberbullying as they handle a number of patients suffering
from it (Wölfer et al., 2014). Healthcare providers can act as a motivator for victims of, and urge
them not to take any drastic steps. Therefore, this is an effective measure that can be taken to
minimize the negative effects of cyberbullying.
4.2. Reporting the cases of Cyberbullying
One of the best preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the ill effect of
cyberbullying is reporting it. Cyberbullying is against the law and therefore, has to be reported. It
can have horrible consequences leading to the death of innocent people. Reporting the cases of
cyberbullying is essential, as it might help the victim getting justice against the person(s) who
bullied him/her.
No one has the right to cause pain to any person and therefore, reporting such incidents is
crucial. Reporting cyberbullying can significantly help in reducing it and therefore it is one of the
most effective strategies of prevention.
4.3. Identifying and Talking to the Victim
Another preventive measure that can be taken against cyberbullying is the identification
of the victims of cyberbullying and talking to them. Family members need to notice the victims

of cyberbullying. The family members of the victim need to talk with the victim so that the
victim does not feel left out(Bauman, 2014)..
Public intervention is needed to provide the much needed personal support from the
friends and family members (Corcoran, Guckin & Prentice, 2015). However, if the issues are
more serious, appropriate professional intervention may be required to prevent cyberbullying
from occurring.
Conclusion
The report discusses the concept of cyberbullying and the need of its prevention.
Moreover, the report discusses the effect of cyberbullying and major factors that can
significantly help in its identification. Furthermore, the report highlights measures that can be
taken to prevent cyberbullying from occurring.
The report also underlines the importance of mental support for victims of cyberbullying,
so that they do not take a drastic step such as suicide. In order to do that, the family members of
the victims must know the signs of a person being bullied. If the issue is severe, appropriate
mental and professional support for the victim may be required. Finally, the report establishes the
need for reporting cyberbullying cases so that this crime can be managed, addressed and reduced.
References
Aboujaoude, E., Savage, M. W., Starcevic, V., & Salame, W. O. (2015). Cyberbullying: Review of an old
problem gone viral. Journal of adolescent health, 57(1), 10-18.

Bauman, S. (2014). Cyberbullying: What counselors need to know. John Wiley & Sons.
Beran, T., Mishna, F., McInroy, L. B., & Shariff, S. (2015). Children's experiences of cyberbullying: A
Canadian national study. Children & Schools, 37(4), 207-214.
Corcoran, L., Guckin, C., & Prentice, G. (2015). Cyberbullying or cyber aggression?: A review of
existing definitions of cyber-based peer-to-peer aggression. Societies, 5(2), 245-255.
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2014). Cyberbullying. Identification, Prevention and Response. Verfügbar
unter https://cyberbullying. org/Cyberbullying-Identification-Prevention-Response. pdf [Zugriff
am 08.10. 2017].
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2014). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to
cyberbullying. Corwin Press.
Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital
age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological
bulletin, 140(4), 1073.
Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2015). Measuring cyberbullying: Implications for research. Aggression and
Violent Behavior, 23, 69-74.
Rice, E., Petering, R., Rhoades, H., Winetrobe, H., Goldbach, J., Plant, A., ... & Kordic, T. (2015).
Cyberbullying perpetration and victimization among Middle-School students. American Journal
of Public Health, 105(3), e66-e72.
Van Geel, M., Vedder, P., & Tanilon, J. (2014). Relationship between peer victimization, cyberbullying,
and suicide in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. JAMA pediatrics, 168(5), 435-442.
Waasdorp, T. E., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2015). The overlap between cyberbullying and traditional
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Whittaker, E., & Kowalski, R. M. (2015). Cyberbullying via social media. Journal of School
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Wölfer, R., Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Zagorscak, P., Jäkel, A., Göbel, K., & Scheithauer, H. (2014).
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