Group members: Jianxi Fang (Chloe), Youxin (Lynette) Cheng
“Wikimedia Commons” by Iyadwaleed is marked with CC BY-SA 4.0
Introduction:
Cyberbullying is the practice of harassing, intimidating, or harming others using digital tools like social media, messaging applications, or online forums. It entails the purposeful and repetitive targeting of people online, frequently with the intent to denigrate, humiliate, or threaten them. By contrast to traditional bullying, it takes place online, giving perpetrators anonymity and a wider audience. It can take many different forms, such as spreading rumors, disseminating offensive or sexual content, cyberstalking, or participating in online hate campaigns. The statistic indicating that 79% of children aged 10-18 have experienced bullying on YouTube in Australia raises critical concerns about the safety and well-being of young people in online spaces.
Example 1:
Korea: High-profile suicides spark cyber-bullying petition
In South Korea, the deaths of celebrities Kim In-hyeok and Cho Jang-mi due to cyberbullying have sparked a petition and public outcry, drawing attention to the urgent need for action against online harassment.
The tragic deaths highlight cyberbullying in South Korea and even the worldwide prompt critical reflection on the pervasive impact of online harassment, the responsibility of online platforms to address this issue, and the urgent need for societal measures to protect individuals from the harmful effects of cyberbullying.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60303081
Example 2:
RMIT international study finds nine in 10 adults admit cyberbullying
“Cyberbullying” by Nick Youngson is marked with CC BY-SA 3.0
The findings of the RMIT study indicating that nine out of ten adults admit to engaging in cyberbullying raise critical concerns about the widespread prevalence of online harassment.
This calls for a deeper examination of the underlying causes and motivations behind such behavior, as well as the need for comprehensive strategies to promote digital empathy, responsible online behavior, and create safer digital environments for all users.
Example 3:
Victim speaks after Tasmanian pair avoid jail time for ‘bullying and menacing’ online campaign of abuse
A victim has spoken out after a pair from Tasmania managed to avoid jail time despite their involvement in an online campaign of bullying and menacing behavior. The individuals in question engaged in abusive conduct on the internet but did not receive a custodial sentence. The fact that the individuals involved in the online campaign of bullying and menacing behavior did not receive a jail sentence brings up questions about the adequacy of legal consequences for cyberbullying. It prompts us to consider whether current laws and penalties are sufficient to deter such behavior and protect victims.
“Kari Dziedzic speaking at a vigil for the Orlando Pulse shooting victims” by Fibonacci Blue is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Reference List:
Cyberbullying duo get community service sentences after “menacing” campaign of online abuse. (2023, July 24). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-25/brendan-godfrey-paul-hudson-sentenced-online-bullying/102639838
Gjorgievska, L. (2022, April 15). 20+ Cyberbullying Statistics in Australia [2022]. Take a Tumble. https://takeatumble.com.au/insights/lifestyle/cyberbullying-statistics/
Korea: High-profile suicides spark cyber-bullying petition. (2022, February 8). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60303081
New research finds most cyberbullies have these two things in common. (2023, January 9). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-09/rmit-international-cyberbully-study-majority-adults-guilty-toxic/101802224