Seminar educates students on effects of cyber bullying

The Office of Student Conduct in collaboration with University College Building 38 hosted a seminar on the effects of cyber bullying.
 Cyber bullying is an issue that is on the rise. Due to media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, cyber bullying has never been more pervasive.
 Office of Student Conduct associate Donnie Howard explains that students only listen to one another and "If we reach other students it will be a trigger affect."
"I hopes that the students will continue to bring awareness to their peers," said Howard.
Many people do not know that writing a rude or negative comment online is considered cyber bullying. Provoking someone online to fight is also considered cyber bullying.
Howard says that some people may not know that if you decide to write a derogatory comment under a picture or video, you can be held accountable even though you did not post the video or picture.
The comments that you decide to write can get you into serious trouble. You can even face criminal charges if the information you post is false because it could be considered libel.
The seminar discussed news articles about people who have been affected by bullying. Bullying affects people in many different ways. Some people might resort to fighting back, while others might decide to end their lives.
Bullying affects various people, no matter the size, shape, age, or economic status. People may bully because of jealousy, envy, or rage.
Bullying has even affected NFL player Jonathan Marin to the point of a mental breakdown
Freshman nursing major Laporsha Wallace was in shock after reading antagonizing tweets that were displayed during the seminar.
"Before you decide to attack another person online, think about how this is going to affect your future," said Wallace.
Cyber bullying does not just affect the victim's life. If you participate in cyber bullying, you are risking your chances of getting a job, and decreasing your job market opportunity.
Kendrieana Simmons, a freshman nursing major, enjoyed the seminar and believes "It was very helpful because a lot of people get bullied on this campus, and some people are being bullied and do not even realize it."
"Be mindful of what you post online because the outcome can be very detrimental," she said.