Post 6: Case studies and Success stories

 Real-life examples of cyberbullying incidents

Megan Meier
This horror story is a case of child depression made worse because of cyberbullying. Megan had suffered from severe depression from the age of eight and was already taking antipsychotics and antidepressants. While they helped slightly, she still suffered from her mental illnesses.
A female neighbor set up a MySpace account and pretended to be a male to tease Megan. At first, Megan found herself attached to this “Josh Evans,” but “he” later turned on her and started discussing some rumors “he’d” heard. At first it all started private but then he started sharing their private messages and went public with a declaration that the world would be better without her.
Megan, already susceptible to depression, believed that comment. After telling him that “you’re the kind of boy a girl would kill herself over,” she took her own life in her bedroom. She was just 13 years old.

Hailee Lamberth

Another 13-year-old took her life due to cyberbullying. She’s suffered from epilepsy and her classmates taunted her for that. This in-school bullying continued through online platforms and forums. They’d often tell herself to kill herself because of her condition. At one point, a classmate left her a voicemail saying, “I hope you died.” Hailee couldn’t take the bullying anymore and killed herself.

7 Real Life Cyberbullying Horror Stories - Family Orbit Blog

Successful prevention and intervention programs

The advent of the internet has channelled more online-related tasks into our lives, and they have become a pre-requisite. One of the concerns with high internet usage is the multiplication of cyber-associated risky behaviours such as cyber aggression. The term “cyberbullying” is defined as the deliberate infliction of harm using electronic methods, targeting individuals or groups of people, regardless of their age, who perceive such actions as offensive, derogatory, harmful, or unwanted [1]. Despite efforts and interventions, cyberbullying and hate messaging is still on the rise worldwide [2,3]. Many interventions deal with traditional/face-to-face/offline school bullying and are modified for cyberbullying issues on the basis of the similarities shared by both types of bullying behaviour, such as unjustified aggression, being based on a power imbalance, and persevering over time [4,5]. Despite similarities, there are also differences, as stated by Smith (2012), such as cyberbullying requiring technological expertise, the unidentified perpetrator does not usually see the victim’s reaction instantly, the roles of bystanders are more complex, and there are differences in intentions [6]. It is difficult to protect oneself against cyberbullying, as nasty messages or content can be sent to mobile phones, computers, or social media anytime and anywhere within seconds [7]. Berne et al. (2019) reported that experiencing cyberbullying as a victim result in negative emotions, including anger, anxiety, fear, and shame [8]. Furthermore, victims of cyberbullying tend to exhibit more somatic symptoms, such as headaches and stomach-aches, than their peers who have not experienced cyberbullying. Cyber victims also tend to report lower satisfaction with their overall appearance, body image, and weight than non-cyber victims. Additionally, it was found that female victims of cyberbullying reported a more negative perception of their general appearance in comparison to male victims of cyberbullying [8]. Considering the global prevalence and detrimental consequences of cyberbullying, researchers have proposed preventive and interventional approaches to discourage children and adolescents from cyberbullying [9]. Additionally, strategies have been developed to help cyber victims manage adverse effects. These prevention methods also encompass school-based interventions, involving the training of teachers and staff members to enhance the overall school environment and foster a conducive learning atmosphere [9].

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/9/212

Inspiring stories of resilience and recovery

Emma’s Triumph: Unveiling Beauty Beyond Criticism

Emma, once the target of relentless cyberbullying for her appearance, didn’t let negativity define her. Instead, she embarked on a journey of empowerment. Through an Instagram campaign promoting self-love and body positivity, Emma not only silenced her tormentors but ignited a movement that garnered widespread support. Her story proves that embracing one’s uniqueness can drown out the noise of cruelty.

Alex’s Resilience: Finding Strength in Virtual Connections

Alex’s struggle with online harassment led him to discover a supportive online community. Instead of succumbing to the bullies, he bravely shared his story on Instagram. In doing so, he not only overcame his own adversities but also inspired others to speak out against cyberbullying. Alex’s journey serves as a testament to the power of virtual connections in fostering resilience and support.

Sophie’s Stand: Transforming Targets into Safe Spaces

Sophie, a victim of cyberbullying, decided to reclaim her Instagram account as a safe space for victims. Through resilience and determination, she turned her page into a haven for kindness and understanding. Sophie’s story exemplifies the strength one can find in taking a stand against bullying and transforming adversity into a force for positive change.

https://medium.com/@esf.soufiane/triumph-over-cyberbullying-stories-of-resilience-on-instagram-7e8ed7e5471e