A non-profit organization dedicated to fight all forms of cyberbullying in order to improve mental health.
Throughout the last two decades, the boom of technological advancements has provided children with unlimited access to the online world. Though the internet is an incredible tool for creating connections both locally and globally, with it a dangerous concept was born: cyberbullying. Around half of all teenagers have been affected by cyberbullying one way or another during their lifetimes, often through social media platforms where anonymous accounts are nearly as numerous as real profile. With this sudden increase in cyberbullying, it is important for organizations such as the Cybersmile Foundation to step up.
Founded in 2010, Cybersmile has worked to establish a more kind, compassionate, diverse, and safe place for children and adults alike to enjoy the internet. Now the largest nonprofit dedicated to anti-cyberbullying, Cybersmile offers consultations, community support, and information for children and their families to use during instances of online harassment.
The internet was created to connect people, no matter where you’re from or where you are. Over 4.54 billion people are on the internet, just over 59% of the global population, and yet we are still figuring out how to interact with each other online. Cybersmile’s mission is to give all internet users a safe space to interact and grow.
Cybersmile uses a three pronged approach when it comes to fighting cyberbullying: awareness, education, and support. The awareness pillar uses research and online social media campaigns to learn more about the issues and spread their findings whilst getting the community involved. The education pillar uses school resources and website resources to inform children and teens about the issues going on while offering helpful links. Lastly, the support pillar gives students access to assistance via social media, the website, and phone in addition to providing a community that will help the students and their families with whatever they need.
A unique aspect of the Cybersmile Foundation is that they use video games as a method of raising awareness, educating, and offering support. Many of their video game packages teach children and teens how to work together in order to achieve a common goal. This approach gives children an interactive way to learn how to deal with online conflict and channel their energy into teamwork.
There are several ways to get involved with Cybersmile. The foundation offers thousands of jobs annually for those who have a deep caring nature for those around them and wish to help the community. You work with a creative and compassionate staff dedicated to helping others, which can be very rewarding. Another way to help out is to fundraise or donate to the cause. Through sending small amounts, you are able to make a serious impact on young lives. The last way you can help is to volunteer! Instead of finding a full time job, you can spend time educating the community or offering online support. There are several workshops and activities where you can contribute in their fight against cyberbullying.
Overall, the Cybersmile Foundation has changed thousands of lives and will only continue to do so with the help of the community. In our fast-paced digital world, it is up to us to decide when to draw the line between fantasy and reality. Cyberbullying is real, whether you can see how the person is affected or not. With organizations such as these, we have a real fighting chance to use the internet as a tool for connecting and changing the world for better.
The Disconnect 