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Their future careers, spouses, and families will all continue to suffer at the hands of the
aggressor. Traditional bullies had to lack empathic traits because, as stated earlier, they had to
deal with their victims reactions face to face. To be able to watch someone suffer or in pain and
not feel any sympathy is the work of someone who lacks empathy skills. Cyber bullying is an
entirely different beast. The anonymity of it is extremely dangerous. Butler, Campbell, Kift,
Slee, and Spears (2013) believe cyber bullies feel more powerful given their massive audience
and sense of anonymity. Cyber bullying is an often 24/7 process of torment. Cyber bullies can
constantly harass and torment their victim while never getting a single reaction from the victim.
The cyber bully then feels the need to multiply the cyber bullying in hopes of getting a reaction.
It is a vicious cycle and one that can only end badly.
In order to fully understand why cyber bullies do what they do, one must actually study
the cyber bullies. One doesnt have to be a student of counseling to know when someone abuses
another person, there are underlying causes and reasons for it. They are usually masking some
sort of pain and feel the need to lash out at others who are vulnerable. Butler et al. (2013) cited
studies that found involvement in cyber bullying was associated with a range of mental health
problems including anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic systems. Cyber bullies are also at
increased risk substance abuse. So cyber bullies are battling their own demons, and regardless of
the reason, they are targeting others and using their victims as a way to escape their own battles.
So if a cyber bullies lack empathy and are dealing with their own pain, we have to ask,
what can we do? It is important for parents and school personnel to take action while it is in
their power to. Education is key. Butler et al. (2013) provide several suggestions for prevention
and intervention such as updating school wide policies and codes of conduct to include the
dangers and consequences of cyber bullying. School climate is always an important factor when
it comes to student behavior. Administration, faculty, and parents all must work together to
create a safe school environment where students feel comfortable reaching out whether they are
being cyber bullied, or they are the cyber bully. School psychologists and counselors play a
particular important role in educating students and staff alike. Teachers and students need to be
made aware of the warning signs of cyber bullying such as changes in attendance, anti social
behaviors, and visible social anxiety. The more knowledgeable teachers and students are, the
more likely they will be able to spot victims and bullies and report them to designated school
personnel. Counselors and teachers also need to make students aware of the consequences that
come with cyber bullying activity. If cyber bullies are fully aware of the ramifications they may
face, the less likely they are to engage in this type of behavior.
With the onslaught of social media sites being offered today, cyber bullying doesnt seem
to be an issue thats going away. In todays society, its something most students and staff will
have to deal with at some point in their lives. The more knowledge they are armed with, the
better. Cyber bullies are human beings too. They need support and encouragement as much as
the next student. If even one cyber bully can be helped, it could save a life.
Reference Page
Butler, D., Campbell, M.A., Kift, S., Slee, P.T., & Spears, B. (2013). Do cyberbullies suffer
too? Cyberbullies perceptions of the harm they cause to others and to their own mental
health. School Psychology International, 34(6), 613-629.
Oldham, J., & Willen, L. (2011). Are texting, multitasking teens losing empathy skills? Some
differing views. (Ed.), The Hechinger Report (June 2011 ed.). Retrieved from
hechingered.org/are-texting-multitasking-teens-losing-empathy-skills-some-differing
views_4002/