Cyberbullying is an aggressive and intentional attack made on an individual or group of people through electronic means like computer devices (Thomas et al., 141). Those who get attacked hardly have the power to protect themselves from their bullies. In some instances, victims may fail to know their abusers. In other instances, abusers are well identified (Thomas et al., 143). The victims of cyberbullying are prone to anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts. Those who bully individuals are often characterized as aggressive and with rule-breaking behaviours (Thomas et al., 136). Therefore, it is essential to find strategies to deal with and curb incidences associated with cyberbullying.
When deciding whether cyberbullying should be made illegal or handled informally, it is important to focus on the consequences and damages caused by it. As mentioned earlier, those attacked often feel anxious, suicidal or become anxious (Thomas et al., 136). According to utilitarianism, it is important to focus on actions that create happiness and satisfaction among people. Since cyberbullying opposes individuals’ happiness and pleasure, strict measures must be put in controlling the vice. It would be easy to spot any malicious practices aimed at attacking people through monitoring and controlling cyber activities.
It is important that cyberbullying becomes illegal since strict measures and guidelines will be used. In informal setups, parents or teachers may lack appropriate facilities to monitor online activities. Additionally, the punishment given by teachers or parents on bullies may be less strict and thus fail to convey the message needed to other culprits. Making cyberbullying n illegal act will attract heavy punishment to those caught and thus serve as great forms of justice to the affected. Additionally, more facilities and measures get invested in ensuring online users are safe and protected from bullies. As a result of such measures, it would be easy to achieve happiness among people, which is the greatest need in utilitarianism.
Works Cited
Thomas, Hannah J., Jason P. Connor, and James G. Scott. “Integrating traditional bullying and cyberbullying: challenges of definition and measurement in adolescents–a review.” Educational psychology review 27.1 (2015): 135-152.