By Ishani Ray and Janvika Shah
The instances of cyberbullying or bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, and computers, have surged with the advent of technology. Typically occurring via text, or online in social media, or gaming where people can view, contribute to, or share content, it involves sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.
In December, 2021, one of CORRAL’s youth, Jada, took a bold step by being an ally and serving as a powerful role model for others. Jada reached out to her guidance counselor, reporting a social media account whose single purpose was to cyberbully other kids at their school.
“Look Mrs. (counselor), This is the type of stuff that makes kids think of doing bad stuff to themselves, but yet I see very little being done for this… Y’all don’t take this seriously but when someone ends up killing themselves for it then y’all will, I am not trying to come off strong. I am just tired of it cause I’ve been that girl that people thought was ugly, fat and made fun of. I don’t want it happening to others.”
It’s a sad reality that, nationwide, about 16 percent of students in grades 9–12 experienced cyberbullying according to the data collected by the 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice). At CORRAL, four in five youth (including Jada) report being bullied, which, compounded with their other struggles, leads to anxiety, depression, addiction and sometimes, hospitalization.
Yet, Jada felt empowered to expose this toxic account. She is the leader the CORRAL community is raising, and we need more such leaders that transition from being passive bystanders to allies. Leaders who are not afraid to advocate for others. Leaders whose healing journey has been supported through CORRAL.
Actions like Jada’s save the lives of other children who go under the radar. Students who experience bullying are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. In fact, research has demonstrated that cyber bullying victims were 1.9 times more likely to attempt suicide or die by suicide compared to those who have never been bullied. To put this in perspective, an estimated 41 suicides in over four countries (USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK) in eight years took place as a direct result of cyber bullying.
Jada’s voice contributes to the creation of a safer cyber environment for other children. She took the initiative as a leader to stand up against bullying in our community. By supporting CORRAL, you’re helping to provide a place where kids like Jada become empowered to advocate for the voiceless in their own communities. Please consider investing in our program here, so we can continue our services and grow to serve more kids in need.
