The act of cyberbullying has become an increasing problem in the lives of 
many Canadians teen, since the emergence of the Internet. The new technology is now being used as a weapon to harm anyone they see fit. However; do not be mistaken cyberbullying is not restricted to online messages, but extends to text messages to cell phones as well.
According to CBC News a a recent survey found that 14% of young Canadian users had been threatened while using instant messaging;16% admitted they’ve posted hateful comments themselves.
These numbers are truly shocking, the fact that the act of bullying has moved from a public space like the cafeteria and playground to a child’s home, shows that the victims truly have no escape from their personal hell that others have created.
Cyberbully is defined by Nancy Willard M.S , J.D in Cyberbully Legilation and School Policies: Where are the boundaries of the “Schoolhouse gate” in theVirtual World? as:
“..being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms of social cruelty using the Internet or other digital technologies. It has various forms, including direct harassment and indirect activities that are intended to damage the reputation or interfere with the relationships of the student targeted, such as posting harmful material, impersonating the person, disseminating personal information or images, or activities that result in exclusion.”
It is clear to all (except the bullies of course) that the act of bullying is wrong and has dire consequences for all those involved. In the past few years, it has gotten worse with the consequences turning from isolation to potential suicide.
In an in depth CBC News program, a young boy by the name of David Knight was bullied for years in person and has recently been affected by cyberbullying. Someone had created a website insulting David for millions to see and post comments about him.
In his interview with CBC New reporter Joan Leishman, David says:
”You can’t get away from it. It doesn’t go away when you come home from school. It made me feel more trapped”
David then had to finish his final year of schooling at home, because it became too hard for him.
With more websites like “Why we hate Paris Hilton” or Perez Hilton.com who openly bashes and doodles on the faces of celebrities the line between what’s wrong and what’s acceptable on the internet is blurring. More and more children think that it’s okay to do what Perez does to celebrities, to the kid in the class that they don’t like without thinking of the potential consequences not only for the victim but themselves as well.
Despite the various public speakers and classes about bullying happening in schools across the country with regards on how to stop or prevent bullying. Teens just can’t seem to get out of the habit of harming other teens, physically as well as verbally.
Just because the bullying has moved from a public sphere to a more private sphere doesn’t make it less harmful, if anything, its effects could potentially be more dangerous.
