Cyber Bullying

Concept Of Cyberbullying

Bullying is generally seen as intentional behaviour to harm another, repeatedly, where it is difficult for the victim to defend himself or herself (Smith, P. K et.al., 1999); it is based on an imbalance of power; and can be defined as systematic abuse of power (Rigby, 2002; Smith et al., 1994). By extending the definition from traditional bullying, cyberbullying has been defined as ‘an offensive act or behaviour that is brought out utilizing electronic mediums by an assembly or a person regularly and overtime against a sufferer who cannot efficiently protect him or herself’ (Smith et al., 2008). From this perspective, cyberbullying is the systematic abuse of power that occurs through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) (Slonje, et.al. 2013). Cyberbullying is bullying via electronic forms of contact or communication – such as emails, mobile, chat room, instant messaging, websites – concerns have been raised about whether and possibly how both the repetitiveness and the power imbalance criteria in the general definition can be applied to bullying with electronic means (Olweus, 2013). It is a growing phenomenon that seems to be a common feature of interpersonal relationships during adolescence. Many studies find that approximately 20% to 40% of young people have been victims of Cyberbullying, at least occasionally (Tokunaga, 2010; Smith, 2012). Conceptualizing cyberbullying is compounded by the fact that cyberbullying can take so many different forms and occur through so many different venues (Kowalski, et. al, 2014). A very different concept than traditional bullying, cyberbullying is sensitive and tender bullying behaviour. It is the most vulnerable type of bullying; it can directly affect the physiology and psychology of humans. Cyberbullying can be the root of numerous disorders and diseases.