In today’s fast growing world we cannot think of a life without the internet. In the pandemic times when we are not able to meet people physically the internet technology has helped so much. From ordering food to shopping our favorite stuff online everywhere we are dependent on technology. We are so addicted to social media and technological gadgets that a disconnection of Wi-Fi even for a minute can cause discomfort for us. So is technological advancement 100% useful? Well access to everything is good except its excess. Because of the internet we can today meet and connect with people who are in far different time zones. But what is the other side of this technology?

While there are so many advantages of the internet, not all people use it with good intentions. Some people use it to harm others. That is what we call cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the direct or indirect form of harassment through the electronic medium. Cyberbullying is the biggest challenge for technology. It can take place to anyone. Cyber bullying involves harassment online. It can be verbal, non-verbal,direct or indirect. Cyberbullying is becoming an increasing problem especially for teens. We have at many times experienced that even a bad comment on social media largely affects us. Sometimes it can force us to think that we are not good enough. These exposure can affect teens as they may feel low self esteem and they may develop a negative body image. Due to peer pressure it even gets difficult for the teens. Cyber bullying is a crime.

Effect of cyber bullying on teens:

• Low self esteem and negative body image.

• Decrease in academic focus.

• Anxiety.

• Depression.

• Suicide in severe cases.

• Feeling isolated

• Fear.

Prevention is always better than cure. Following can be done in order to avoid cyberbullying:

1. Role of parents :

• Informing them prior about cyberbullying.

• Setting parental controls for the devices of their child.

• Encouraging them in extra curricular activities to decrease screen time.

• Be friendly with them.

2. Role of individual:

• Ignore and delete messages from unknown contacts.

• Being vigilant

• Informing parents if you feel insecure

• Do not put your sensitive information online.

• Visit a consultant if you are already cyberbullied and you feel extreme discomfort.

• Cyberbullying is a crime and report them if you are cyberbullied.