Like almost everything in the world today climbed up to the modernized standard, so has

bullying taken a new approach. Though less common than the traditional face-to-face, it
still poses a great risk for the netizens. Cyberbullying is - from the name itself - bullying
that occurs in the expanse of cyberspace. Any mean, threatening, or embarrassing
content sent through phone or posted onto the different platforms of social media
constitutes cyberbullying. Take for example lewd pictures, cyberstalking, flaming,
impersonation, and canceling tweets. These barely even scratch the surface of the perils
of the Internet.
"It's not that big of a deal." Hate to break your bubble, but it is that big of a deal.
Posting something online is essentially giving everyone a ticket inside your privacy. It's
interesting how a small negative post can blow up in, give or take, one day. Furthermore,
the most aggravating part, anybody can be anybody. Numerous netizens use the Internet
anonymously to conceal their identity. And this gives them the leverage to be as mean as
they can.
But why does this really happen? For what reason are individuals using the Internet
as a barricade? Easy thing. They get this sense of security once they are behind their
screens. A study said it is easier to bully through technology because of the evident
physical distance between the bully and the victim. Research led by Dianne Hoff showed
the top causes for cyberbullying: break-ups, envy, intolerance, and ganging up. In
cyberbullies' defense, they did not think that their bullying was harsh or had an impact,
as expressed in Campbell's study. Nevertheless, their actions cannot be undone and the
damage is fixed. Noticeable effects of cyberbullying include, first and foremost, the fright
of phones and social media; lack of socialization, self-esteem, and interest in once
interests; and withdrawal from the circle of friends.
The world runs on this fuel called kindness. It is what makes life travel in a smooth
run with sweet melodic music playing in the background. Kindness is the foundation for
human existence, hence, these issues spreading all across the globe will do a 180-degree
turn, once kindness will overrule one's mind and body. A worldwide change starts from
within. And collectively, laws, such as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, are implemented so
that offenders are legally facing the consequences of their actions. To victims of physical
and cyberbullying, you don't have to scream in silence. You don't have to speak to the
void. You may feel alone but you're not. You are surrounded by people who are ready to
listen and help. All you've got to do is reach out for their hand. This is a calling for all of us
to be cautious and mindful of what we post and do online because cyberbullying cuts
deep into the skin and embeds itself as a wound that may heal after some time, but always
leave a lifetime scar.