In the last decade there has been a disturbing increase in what has come to be known as cyber bullying. This trend is more than simply the carrying out of bullying through cell phones and social media sites such as Facebook.

Cyber bullies, isolated from their victims and with a sense of detachment, are often far more cruel and exaggerated than most can manage face to face. For the victim of a cyber bully the sense of menace and alienation that comes from being bullied in front of a potentially vast and unseen audience is incredibly disturbing.

Cyber bullying also allows the ability to bully a victim anonymously or under the guise of someone else. Taunts and threats are further escalated when the cyber bully feels safe and invulnerable to any potential repercussions. Cases where the victim does not know the identity or identities of their attackers the can be nothing short of nightmarish, and there have been in recent years numerous cases of teen suicide as a direct result of cyber bully.

If you are aware of cyber bullying going on it is important to take a stand and speak out against it. Let the victim know that they are supported, and let the cyber bullies know that their actions are unacceptable.

VIIC encourages everyone to join us in bringing this important issue to the forefront – visit PinkWall.ca and sign our virtual FB wall to show your support and Stand Up Against Bullying.