Problem Solution Essay draft 2: discuss a problem arising from the use of social media and its impact on individuals and/or society in a particular country. Identify existing solutions and propose possible new measures that could be implemented to address that problem.

Social network has been a popular tool for the past twenty years or so that [elclm1] connects people who are living miles away from each other[elclm2] . With its easy communication and instantaneous posting online, people have long forgotten [elclm3] the conventional ways of communication.[elclm4]  However, every advantage comes with a corresponding disadvantage[elclm5] .[elclm6]  While the Internet has become a great source of entertainment and research materials[elclm7] , it has also created a virtual platform for people to fight verbally without being identified easily. Bullying is no longer isolated to classrooms or playgrounds but rather has widespread to harassments through mobile phones and social media sites[elclm8] . This is known as cyber-bullying.[elclm9]  This essay will describe cyber-b in the USA and address existing and potential solution.

Cyber-bullying is a form of verbal harassment in[elclm10]  which occurs through social networking sites or by any form of online communication means (No Bullying America). People conceal their identity by creating and using fake profiles leaving themselves anonymous [elclm11] to defame others by posting rumors [elclm12] on social sites. Such cases have been rather prevalent in the United States with an alarming result of 52 percent of students reported being bullied online, which is more than half of the cohort surveyed [elclm13] (Ibid). For the past decade, numerous cyber-bullying cases ended with victims ending their life. Sunburn (2014) states in his article that suicide is the third main cause of death among youths and teenagers with around 4,400 deaths each year worldwide with many cases being associated to cyber-bullying[elclm14] .[elclm15] 

One such case that took place in Lakeland, Florida has gathered national or even global attention, the Rebecca Sedwick’s case[elclm16] . Sedick was a victim of bullying, both online or offline and suffered from major depression. She eventually gave up on life and ended her life[elclm17] . According to Wallace (2014), before Sedwick’s death in September 2013, she already had reports [elclm18] of being bullied. Even after her death, the bullies continued their nasty languages and ridiculed her online. A month later, two teens were reportedly charged with intensive stalking and accused of being the main culprits that led to the death of Sedwick. However, just a month after the arrests, charges of them [elclm19] were dropped since no concrete evidence were found of them stalking (Ibid). The people that ridiculed and caused much distressed in Sedwick are still roaming down the streets thinking that what they did means nothing while in actual fact, their actions had brought [elclm20] much pain to her and people who loved her. These wrongdoers ought to be brought to justice and taught of[elclm21]  the consequences of their actions. It has since then brought about[elclm22]  a public concern as to whether authorities are able to control the problem of cyber-bullying since perpetrators are so easily let off.  [elclm23] 

Two young central Florida teens are facing felony aggravated stalking charges for bullying a 12-year-old classmate, Rebecca Sedwick, who committed suicide. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the bullying crossed the line from teen meanness into criminal harassment.

Sedwick received text messages and online messages from the two teens telling her to kill herself and that she should “drink bleach and die.” Sedwick was also physically attacked by the two girls, according to the sheriff’s department.

Two Florida teens were reportedly charged with aggravated stalking charges and accused of being the main culprits that led to the death of their 12-year-old classmate, Rebecca Sedwick. According to Wallace (2014), Sedwick was a victim of bullying be it online of offline. She had received messages from the two teens inciting her to kill herself by drinking bleach and die.  On top of that, according to the sheriff’s department, Sedwick was physically attacked by the two teens. However, just a month after the arrests, charges were dropped since no concrete evidence was found to apprehend them (Ibid).

There is no national law against cyber-bullying, but many states in the United States have implemented federal and state legislation that covers cyber-bullying and any form of online harassments so as to legalize[elclm24]  any forms of harassments[elclm25] , be it in or out of the cyber space (Wired Safety, 2011). Perpetrators would have to take full accountability for what they do and say and have a taste of the damage done to the victims.[elclm26]  Victims[elclm27]  would not need to be afraid since they are now protected and covered by the law. [elclm28] This forces bullies to think twice before posting anything nasty online, as the outcome may be detrimental towards their future. However, the fact that many of[elclm29]  such acts are still occurring online, left undetected, shows that many of [elclm30] such laws lacks actual plans and strategies [elclm31] [elclm32] to alleviate the growing problem. The main challenge is actually the detection of cyber-bullying cases. Since most cases occur mainly AMONG teenagers, the first step to detection and deterrence of cyber-bullying should start with school compounds[elclm33] .

In order to address the problem more efficiently, there are a few things schools can do[elclm34] . Firstly, schools should enforce clear guidelines and policies to ban the use of technologiy within the colleges to bully others. Secondly, schools can engage to [elclm35] anti cyber-bullying speakers where they [elclm36] [elclm37] can then educate staff and students as to let them know what [elclm38] kind of behaviors is equivalent to cyber-bullying and where they would be able to find help should anyone of them become victims. Also, there should be sufficient monitoring of student use of technology and prevent students from misusing it[elclm39] . Last but not least[elclm40] , schools can also establish schemes or methods for reporting of cyber-bullying cases, be it y[elclm41] ou are the victim or suspect someone is being victimized, with relevant counseling and responses to help them[elclm42]  (Langhorst, 2012). With these steps taken in school compounds around United States, the detection of cyber-bullying cases would greatly increase and counselors can[elclm43]  then stretch out their helping hands to help[elclm44]  the victims.

Cyber-bullying is a socially disagreeabl[elclm45] e behavior. There can never be a comprehensive “remedy” to cyber-bullying behavior. However, with continuous effort and commitment, not only cyber-bullying, but also all forms of bullying can be successfully identified and addressed, minimizing number of victims that falls into the hands of bullies. The vision of having a cyberspace free from bullies may no longer become[elclm46]  a distant reality.

838 words

Reference: (alphabetical order of surname of author)

No Bullying, America. (2014, November 05). Cyber Bullying in America.

http://nobullying.com/cyber-bullying-in-america/

Josh Sanburn. (2013, October 16). A Florida tragedy illustrates rising concern about cyber-bullying suicides.

http://nation.time.com/2013/10/16/a-florida-tragedy-illustrates-rising-concern-about-cyber-bullying-suicides/

Kelly Wallace. (2014, April 21). Police file raises questions about bullying in Rebecca Sedwick’s Suicide.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/18/living/rebecca-sedwick-bullying-suicide-follow-parents/

WiredSafety. (2011). Cyberbullying/Harassment/Stalking Federal and State Legislation.

https://www.wiredsafety.org/toolkitmedia/files/file/Articles/Cyberbullying-Harassment-Stalking_State_Legislation.pdf

Langhorst, P. (2012, October 1). Cyberbullying: How Technology Can Be Used to Battle Its Effects. Retrieved from http://www.cyberbullyhotline.com/10-01-12-edtech-digest.html

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