Cyberbullying has taken an already important issue and vastly multiplied it. With over 4,500 teen suicides every year in the USA, it's an issue that must be addressed. The 'Cyberbullied: How Bullies have Moved from the Playground to the Web' infographic takes a look at some of the stats behind the issue.
Kids are more connected than they ever have been and through the use of social media sites and text messaging, they are still in contact past the classroom. Bullying, as a result, becomes a full-time trauma for them -- not something that can be seen by teachers, parents and friends. Kids know that it's easier to get away with cyber bullying because it's less visible, but it's not any less damaging.
Many campaigns across the world are seeking to put an end to this incredibly problem affecting one in ten young people.
Children-Targeted Bullying Campaigns
The 'Cyberbullied' Infographic Speaks to an Epidemic
Trend Themes
1. Anti-cyberbullying Advocacy - With the devastating impact of cyberbullying, there is an opportunity for advocacy campaigns directed towards the youth to focus on the importance of anti-cyberbullying initiatives.
2. Online Social Mediation Solutions - As children's lives become more interconnected through social media, there is an opportunity for companies to create and market innovative solutions to help mitigate online disputes and bullying.
3. Protective Technologies for Children's Online Presence - With cyberbullying perpetuated on social media, there is an opportunity for greater adoption of protective technologies for children, such as monitoring tools, content filters, blocking controls, and safety settings.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms have a responsibility to be more proactive in developing technological solutions that prevent or curb cyberbullying among children and teenagers.
2. Online Education & Training - With growing awareness of cyberbullying, the need for more comprehensive education and training programs aimed at children, parents, and educators is on the rise.
3. Cybersafety and Online Security Providers - This trend underscores an opportunity for cybersafety and online security providers to focus on developing more robust solutions to protect children on the internet, thereby minimizing the prevalence of cyberbullying incidents.