Behind the screen lies some untold stories.

Cyberbullying is a problem that should be addressed seriously. However, it became common that some most likely cyberbully a person on a regular basis. According to the research of Professor Donna Cross from Edith Cowan University in Australia, cyberbullying is apparently accounted as specific behaviors such as texting, flaming and happy slapping.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that has taken attention for the recent years but unfortunately thought by some people as something normal. Still, we should give ourselves a time to think deeply. Sending mean messages or threats to a person’s email account or cell phone; spreading rumors online or through texts; posting hurtful or threatening messages on social networking sites or web pages; stealing a person’s account information to break into their account and send damaging messages; pretending to be someone else online to hurt another person; taking unflattering pictures of a person and spreading them through cell phones or the Internet; and circulating sexually suggestive pictures or messages about a person are forms of cyberbullying. Those are definitely not normal and reasonable. Some netizens have done those things intentionally as they think it is their right to say what they want to say. Surely, there is freedom of expression for all even online but keep in mind that freedom has limits. You are definitely free to express yourself but one’s freedom of expression does not extend to hurting other people. You can still state your stand without insulting someone.

To further prove that cyberbullying is no good, know its effects. Reports of StopBullying.gov, a federal website managed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services state that youth who are bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Symptoms may include increased feelings of sadness and loneliness; changes in sleep and eating patterns; loss of interest in activities; more health complaints. Youth who are bullied are more likely to struggle personally and at school. They may miss, skip or drop out of school, receive poor grades, have lower self-esteem or use alcohol and drugs.

Cyberbullying slowly destroys a person’s psychological and emotional health and the worst, it can shatter someone’s life. StopBullying.gov further says bullying can lead to thoughts about suicide. According to Cyberbullying Research Centre, about half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10 to 20 percent experience it regularly. Imagine how they still continue to live their life when they are harassed or embarrassed online and their family or friends does not know what they are going through? To whom will they confide their problems if they do not want to burden the people around them?

Is it not enough? Cyberbullying, no matter how shallow people think of it, can ruin someone’s life. We never know how our posts in social media or our so-called opinion can hurt someone. Therefore, consider thoroughly the slogan “Think before you click”. It is frequently said for all netizens but it is the best reminder that we should follow. We must always keep that in mind and help others to keep that in their own minds.

Cyberbullying is a serious concern, not a freedom of expression or a reasonable action. In schools, young ones should be taught of self-discipline and moral values so they will be able to apply it online. Parents should concern themselves in the usage of their children in social media but not being annoying or irritating. Lastly, it is in the person to be wise and careful not to bully someone online as it can cause really bad things to people they do not really know. Be considerate and thoughtful.