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Reading Comprehension: Cyberbullying – A Modern Threat
In the age of digital technology, communication has become
faster, easier, and more widespread than ever before. With the
rise of smartphones, social media, instant messaging, and online
gaming, young people are constantly connected to the internet.
While this digital connection offers many benefits—such as access
to information, entertainment, and global communication—it also
opens the door to new risks. One of the most alarming is
cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is the act of bullying someone through digital
platforms, including text messages, emails, social media sites,
video-sharing platforms, and online games. It includes a wide
range of harmful behaviors, such as sending threatening or mean
messages, spreading rumors, posting embarrassing photos or
videos, creating fake profiles, or deliberately excluding someone
from an online group. Because it occurs in the digital world,
cyberbullying can happen at any time—during school, after
school, at home, or even late at night.
One of the key differences between cyberbullying and traditional
face-to-face bullying is the reach and permanence of online
content. A single hurtful post or image can be seen by hundreds
or thousands of people within minutes and may remain online
indefinitely. Victims often feel like they have nowhere to hide.
Unlike school bullying, which usually stops after the day ends,
cyberbullying can follow students into their homes, their
bedrooms, and even their private thoughts, affecting their
emotional and psychological well-being around the clock.
Another troubling aspect of cyberbullying is anonymity. Online
bullies often hide behind fake names or accounts, making it
difficult to identify them. This sense of invisibility can make bullies
more cruel, as they may not feel responsible for their actions.
Additionally, because the internet allows messages and media to
spread quickly, a single incident of cyberbullying can escalate and
involve multiple people very rapidly.
The effects of cyberbullying are serious and long-lasting. Victims
commonly experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression, low
self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. Some students begin
avoiding school, experience a drop in academic performance, or
isolate themselves from friends and family. In extreme cases,
victims may suffer from self-harm or attempt suicide due to the
emotional pain they experience. It’s important to remember that
not only victims but also bystanders—students who witness
cyberbullying—can be emotionally affected. They may feel guilty,
scared, or powerless.
Addressing cyberbullying requires a combined effort from schools,
families, communities, and digital platforms. Parents and teachers
should maintain open lines of communication with children and
teens, encouraging them to speak up about negative online
experiences. Schools can provide education on digital citizenship,
teaching students to use technology responsibly and respectfully.
Anti-bullying programs can also include discussions about
empathy, kindness, and the long-term impact of cyberbullying on
everyone involved.
Governments and social media companies have started to take
more action in recent years. Many countries now have laws that
consider certain forms of cyberbullying—especially when threats
or discrimination are involved—as punishable offenses. Social
platforms offer tools for reporting abuse, blocking bullies, and
filtering harmful content. However, technology alone is not
enough; raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior is
key.
In conclusion, cyberbullying is a modern problem that requires
modern solutions. It is a silent and often invisible threat that
affects millions of young people across the globe. While the
internet should be a space for learning, creativity, and connection,
it can also become a place of harm. By working together and
promoting kindness, respect, and accountability, we can help
make the digital world safer for everyone.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What is cyberbullying?
• A) A friendly chat online
• B) Bullying that happens through digital platforms
• C) Helping someone with homework online
2. Which of the following is an example of cyberbullying?
• A) Sending a classmate a birthday wish
• B) Sharing a funny meme
• C) Posting an embarrassing photo of someone without
permission
3. Why can cyberbullying feel inescapable?
• A) Because it happens only at school
• B) Because it can occur anytime, anywhere
• C) Because it disappears quickly
4. How does anonymity make cyberbullying worse?
• A) It encourages honesty
• B) It makes bullies more afraid
• C) It allows bullies to act without consequences
5. What emotional effects can victims of cyberbullying
experience?
• A) Joy and confidence
• B) Anxiety, depression, and isolation
• C) Increased focus and energy
6. How can cyberbullying impact a student’s academic life?
• A) It improves their performance
• B) It motivates them to study harder
• C) It may cause them to avoid school or struggle with grades
7. What is one role that schools can play in stopping
cyberbullying?
• A) Punishing students harshly without listening
• B) Ignoring it to avoid trouble
• C) Teaching responsible digital behavior
8. What is a key difference between traditional bullying and
cyberbullying?
• A) Cyberbullying is usually done in person
• B) Cyberbullying can happen at any time and reach many
people
• C) Traditional bullying is more emotional
9. What have some governments done to combat
cyberbullying?
• A) Created laws that punish online harassment
• B) Encouraged more internet use
• C) Shut down social media
10. What is the main message of the passage?
• A) Cyberbullying is not a serious issue
• B) Everyone should stop using the internet
• C) Cyberbullying is harmful and needs collective action to
prevent it
Analytical Questions
1. In your opinion, why is it harder for some students to report
cyberbullying? What can be done to encourage them to speak
up?
2. How can social media companies improve their platforms to
reduce the chances of cyberbullying?
3. Do you think schools are doing enough to address
cyberbullying? What more can they do?
4. Imagine your friend is being cyberbullied. What steps would
you take to help them and stop the bullying?
