How to Combat Cyberbullying

Spending just a few minutes in an online action game reveals a whole different realm. The use of voice chat in modern video games allows players, some as young as 10, to exchange profanity and hurtful remarks. This has triggered concerns among teens, parents, and educators searching for solutions to combat cyberbullying.

This form of harassment is becoming more prevalent. A 2018 Pew Research survey found that 59 percent of teens have been targets of cyberbullying. In this article, we will explain what cyberbullying is and explore various strategies to prevent it.

Understanding Online Bullying

Stopbullying.gov describes cyberbullying as "posting, sharing, or sending harmful, false, or hurtful content about someone". This can occur across social media, forums, text messages, e-mail, and many online games or social networking apps.

Cyberbullying encompasses online harassment, rumor spreading, extreme bullying, and threatening communication. It can also include actions like sending harmful viruses, hacking into an e-mail account, disturbing someone's experience in an online game, or intentionally disclosing embarrassing personal information to others.

Various Forms of Online Bullying

Cyberbullying is associated with several terms, and we’ll explore some key ones here. Trolling refers to the act of posting deliberately provocative messages on online forums or discussion groups. Griefing, a frequent type of cyberbullying, involves harassing another player or participant in an online game. Griefing appears in many forms, including specific behaviors like kill stealing—constantly killing monsters another player is trying to defeat, hindering their progress in the game.

Cyberbullying comes in many forms, each with different effects, but it can be deeply traumatic, especially in highly immersive worlds that blur the lines between reality and imagination. When an online gamer spends hundreds or even thousands of hours developing their avatar (a digital representation of themselves), character, or standing in a game universe, the emotional investment can be substantial.

Conversely, sharing embarrassing photos or stories on social media platforms viewed by an entire high school can have a devastating impact on a student's life. Cyberbullying often leads to real-world, physical bullying and triggers feelings of depression, hopelessness, and isolation.

Understanding the Causes of Cyberbullying

Experts argue that the internet makes it easier for people to engage in negative or antisocial behaviors. The anonymity the internet provides encourages bullies, who feel protected from the consequences of their actions. Judith Donath, an MIT professor who researches media and social networks, shared with CNN that online interactions can shift people's views on what's considered acceptable, and contribute to the dehumanization of other participants or players [source: CNN.com].

While much of the discussion surrounding cyberbullying focuses on children and teenagers, it is not exclusive to young people. There are cases where teachers have fallen victim to cyberbullying, with some even being forced to leave their teaching positions due to relentless harassment. Some students use technology to challenge and mock authority figures. Additionally, many online gamers who either perpetrate or suffer from cyberbullying are adults.

In the following section, we'll explore some strategies for dealing with cyberbullies.

Ways to Prevent Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can be especially devastating because it makes home feel unsafe. A cell phone, video game, or social media platform becomes just another tool for harassment. Fortunately, there are several ways to confront the issue of cyberbullying.

Most games, social media platforms, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer tools to manage disruptive users. Some of these tools are built into the platform and can be controlled by the user, such as the ability to block certain individuals from interacting with you. Many companies also provide a formal complaint process where users may be warned, suspended, or banned based on their behavior.

Experts and organizations like stopbullying.gov recommend that children be educated about the consequences of cyberbullying. They should have safe spaces to discuss and report such issues. It's important that potential bullies understand there are consequences, while parents should have open discussions with their children about responsible and respectful use of technology.

Some instances of cyberbullying have escalated into real-world violence or even led to tragic suicides. In Japan, for example, a man was arrested for repeatedly committing virtual robberies in the game "Lineage II" [source: Washington Post]. The arrest followed the sale of virtual items stolen during the game for actual money.

Methods to Combat Online Bullying

Some experts suggest using Dunbar's Number to help prevent cyberbullying. This theory posits that social groups larger than 150 people tend to break down because individuals can no longer maintain meaningful connections. By limiting the size of online groups—such as smaller game worlds, virtual communities, or other social circles—it may foster a greater sense of closeness. This connectedness could encourage a stronger sense of responsibility and fair treatment toward others.

Another suggestion is the creation of an Avatar Bill of Rights, which would outline the fundamental rights for online personas. There’s ongoing debate about the exact provisions such a document would include and the means by which it could be enforced. Nevertheless, many in the gaming and development sectors have advocated for a comprehensive and strictly enforced Avatar Bill of Rights.

How to Report Cyberbullying in Lawless Virtual Worlds

A major challenge in addressing cyberbullying is the sheer scale of some game worlds or social networks, combined with the overwhelming volume of complaints. A prime example is "Second Life," which boasts over six million registered users. It has often been pointed out that more regulation is necessary, particularly as the game allows users to earn virtual money that can be exchanged for real currency [source: Washington Post].

"Second Life" presents itself as an entire virtual universe where its "citizens" can engage in business, socialize, and live a life that closely mimics the physical world. Within this virtual realm, users can also earn real money. Major corporations like IBM have set up virtual stores and offices, and several countries have established embassies within the game.

As one of the most significant examples of the convergence between real and virtual realities, "Second Life" also faces the challenges of virtual abuse, harassment, and other criminal activities. The platform's creator has expressed hope that users will eventually develop their own legal framework and system of justice, which could address the ongoing issues of bullying and harassment in the game [source: Washington Post].

Currently, certain aspects of games like "Second Life" and other online platforms, such as virtual gambling and, in some regions, depictions of underage sexual content, are still subject to the laws of the physical world and carry real-world consequences.

Preventing Cyberbullying Starts With You

Cyberbullying includes harmful messages and negative actions that can escalate into real-life criminal behavior. As tech companies wrestle with their responsibility in the matter, families, educators, and young people themselves must engage in open conversations about recognizing and reporting cyberbullying incidents.