As time goes by, the amount of bullying in schools has increased not just in the classroom, but out. Students have nowhere to turn. Long ago, students did not have to worry about bullying as much as they do now. As technology increases so does the number of students misusing this tool to harm their peers emotionally and psychologically.

Cyberbullying needs to come to an end.

The true question is how can we solve this problem? Putting up posters in schools about cyberbullying is not going to stop students from going online and posting inappropriate content. Further actions have to be taken.

Schools are the primary foundation for students education. It is important to build a strong bond between students in school in order to help reduce the amount of bullying among peers. What may appear to be simple child’s play may, in the long run, be the factor of why a student may consider taking his/her own life.

An article by Charisse L. Nixon in 2014 titled “Current Perspectives: The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescent Health,” states nearly 20-40 percent of high school students are likely to be victims of cyberbullying. Of those numbers, 93 percent of the victims have reported feeling emotionally distressed.

Past studies have found there to be a positive correlation between cyberbullying and suicidal behavior. Due to several stress factors associated with the animosity of the internet, this can lead students at a young age to become more socially withdrawn, develop low self-esteem, and develop depression.

On average, nearly 100,000 young adults commit suicide yearly, and numbers are continuing to escalate. Regarding high school students, this calculates to nearly one in every 10 students.

How can we put an end to this? First, we have to start by noticing the early warning signs when someone is dealing with depression or anxiety, such as a sudden drop in grades or school performance, a change in behavior or emotion, the neglect of physical appearance, and goodbyes said to family and friends. If you notice such signs in a person, it is imperative that you aid them in seeking help. Small acts of kindness can go a long way.

Schools must take a stand. Many school activities can bring students together, such as monthly movie nights, stress-relieving activities, or even groups where students can share information, whether that be personal, informative, or even school related.

Such activities deal with the social interaction between students, which is a vital tool when it comes to reducing the amount of bullying in schools. It is vital to target bullying regardless of what form it may be. If the matter continues to escalate, dangerous outcomes may occur. That being said, before posting a mean comment online, pause and reflect on how that person may feel. You never know if what you post maybe that person’s last straw.