There has been a continuous rise in cyber bullying incidences all over the world, especially among the younger age group. The current definition of cyberbullying includes, "(1) receiving threatening or aggressive emails or instant messages (either as the sole recipient or as part of a group); (2) being sent or having pictures posted that were embarrassing or made the respondent feel threatened; and (3) having one’s identity used to send out or post embarrassing or threatening information," (Hango, 2016). A study conducted by Statistics Canada found that, "In 2014, about 17% of the population aged 15 to 29 (representing about 1.1 million people) that accessed the Internet at some point between 2009 and 2014 reported they had experienced cyberbullying or cyberstalking," (Hango, 2016). The increase in different types of texting/messaging platforms and social media sites have made it possible for the bullying to take place at any time whether that be at home, school, or any other place as long as the victim has access to a mobile device or the internet. "Internet use is almost universal for the young adult population in Canada—almost 100% have used the Internet at some point between 2009 and 2014, while over 90% have used it on a daily basis during this same time period. Despite all the benefits of going online (i.e., social, educational and commercial) there may be some risks. Approximately 1.1 million (or about 17%) of all 15-to-29 year-old Internet users experienced either cyberbullying or cyberstalking between 2009 and 2014" (Hango, 2016). The rise in cyberbullying cases (especially among youth and students) brings with it the added responsibility of schools to intervene and take action. Schools have begun to take part in anti-bullying campaigns and raise awareness about internet safety and cyberbullying. The question that now remains to be addressed is: should schools be held responsible to intervene if cyberbullying continues during "after school" hours?
A Closer Look at the Case of Rebecca Sedwick
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("Two girls arrested in teen's suicide," 2013)
Watch the video and read the article posted above on the case of Rebecca Sedwick
With the rise in cases similar to Rebecca Sedwick's case, some parents and families of cyberbullying victims are taking action by taking schools to court. To read the complete article featured in the picture on the left, CLICK HERE.
Rebecca Sedwick's case shed light on many serious issues including the following question highlighted in the CNN article below. To read the complete article, click on the image below.