From Cyber Bullying to Cyber Coping: The Misuse of Mobile Technology and Social Media and Their Effects on People’s Lives

Abstract

The ability to deal and cope with cyber bullying attacks is becoming increasingly important to children and young people in the United Kingdom although this phenomenon appears to be acute in many other countries, too. This paper investigates and provides a deeper understanding of what the effects of cyber bullying have on people’s lives. The results show that there is a relationship between an increase in access to digital technology and the methods cyber bullies apply to threaten, harass, humiliate and embarrass people. Results suggest that parents, teachers, employers and owners of social media sites are not educating and coaching young people sufficiently so that these can stay safe in a world of texting, twittering and social networking. The research suggests a number of practical solutions such as incentivized schemes and engaging young people in cyber bullying awareness focus groups. It is anticipated that this will help young people to develop their own levels of responsibilities to make informed decisions what is safe for them to access, view and act upon.