The new information age changes the way people do everything. One can buy materials, handle their finances, surf the World Wide Web, and unfortunately, bully others more efficiently. Say farewell to the days of meeting your counterpart one day outside to settle differences. Instead of, "I’ll meet you afterschool at 3 o’clock," it is now: "I will harass you every day on the internet." Cyber bullying may not seem as malicious as physical forms of bullying, but cyber bullying has caused teen suicides in astonishing numbers.

Social tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, which everyone loves to use, are the same sources that people abuse to bring pain to other individuals. Instant messaging allows someone to insult another individual in a matter of milliseconds. Oftentimes negative comments or posts are sent out for everyone to see without the individual considering the effects of what he or she is doing. People have the ability to post threatening or embarrassing information on the internet with no problem.

Cyber bullying has had devastating effects in recent months. In October, there were four suicides within 19 days due to the new ways to harass individuals. This mind blowing statistic is an indication and warning that something needs to be done to deter the effects of cyber bullying…FAST. Bryan Alexander of Time Magazine stated in his article "Bullied to Death," "At least the bullies of previous decades had to hold you down before they could spit in your face." The ability of bullies to "spit" in their victims’ faces without holding them down makes it harder for victims to escape the grasp of bullying. Bullying has no bias. Ages of people who experience bullying on the internet range from preteens to late teens. 15 percent of seventh and eighth graders consider themselves to be both victims and perpetrators of bullying (Time Magazine). Young people who are bullied usually have a harder time dealing with these issues in an effective manner. Many of them lash out, become depressed, or become bullies themselves.

It is going to take a nationwide effort to reverse the number of instances of cyber bullying and its lasting effects. Many schools have hired SROs, or school resource officers, to patrol halls and connect with students who may seek help with bullying issues. The only problem is that officers cannot be with students all the time while cyber bullies can.