The Pain of Online Bullying
The Pain of Online Bullying
Imagine a world where mean words and hurtful actions could follow you everywhere, even into your own home. That's the reality of online bullying, also known as cyberbullying. While traditional bullying happens face-to-face, cyberbullying takes place using electronic devices like phones, computers, and tablets. This means it can happen any time of day or night, making it particularly damaging.
Why Online Bullying Hurts More
One reason cyberbullying hurts so much is its reach. A cruel message or embarrassing photo can be shared with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people in an instant. Unlike a playground taunt that might be heard by a few classmates, online content can spread like wildfire, causing widespread humiliation. Once something is posted online, it's incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to completely erase it. This means the victim may relive the bullying incident every time they see the post or are reminded of it.
- Cyberbullying:
- Bullying that takes place using electronic devices.
- Anonymity:
- The state of not being identified or known.
- Digital citizenship:
- Responsible behavior when using technology.
- humiliation:
- A strong feeling of embarrassment or shame caused by being made to look foolish in front of others.
- embolden:
- To give someone the confidence or courage to do something, often something bad or risky.
- isolated:
- Feeling completely separate, cut off, or alone from other people.
- retaliation:
- Harmful action taken against someone to get revenge or get back at them for something they did.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is cyberbullying, and how does it differ from traditional bullying?
- 2Why does the passage argue that online bullying is more hurtful than traditional bullying?
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About this opinion / argumentative passage for Middle School
“The Pain of Online Bullying” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Cyberbullying, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (513 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.