Cyber Bullying - Cyber Bullying Prevention

Persuasive Speech #2

CMST 101

Name: Kailyn Turner  Date: 1-30-17

Topic: Cyberbullying Prevention       Visual:

**Remember to cite and underline all sources within the outline.

I.  Introduction

        A.  Attention-Getter ‘        A. Many people acknowledge that bullying exists, whether it be physical or verbal, but what many people do not realize is that most bullying occurs without anyone ever knowing. Technology owned by youth is at the highest its ever been, and with that comes this sense of confidence that many people wouldn’t have face to face. When it happens behind a screen, is it still harmful? The answer is yes. The dangers of cyberbullying are increasing at a rapid rate, and just because there are no witnesses does not make it less harmful, but rather en epidemic that needs to be stopped before it gets worse.

        B.  Thesis Today I am going to persuade you to take a stand against cyberbullying.

II.  Body

        A.  Sell the Problem

1. According to bullying.org, cyberbullying is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices” 

1. Cyber bullying can take many forms such as:

1. Sending mean messages or threats to a person’s email account or cell phone

1. Spreading rumors online or through texts

1. Posting hurtful or threatening messages on social networking sites or web pages

2. According to Stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying is a growing problem because increasing numbers of kids are using and have completely embraced online interactivity.

1. A remarkable 95% of teens in the US are online, and three-fourths (74%) access the Internet on their mobile device.

1. It is also easier to be hateful using typed words rather than spoken words face-to-face.

1. Many cyberbullies feel that there are little to no consequences for their actions.

1. Many even feel that there is little chance of detection and identification, let alone sanction.

1. Some kids feel free to post or send whatever they want while online without considering how that content can inflict pain – and sometimes cause severe psychological and emotional wounds.

        3. According to Stompoutbullying.org, many cyber bullies think that bullying others online is funny. Cyber bullies may not realize the consequences for themselves of cyberbullying.

1. The things teens post online now may reflect badly on them later when they apply for college or a job. 

1. Cyber bullies can lose their cell phone or online accounts for cyber bullying. 

1. Also, cyber bullies and their parents may face legal charges for cyber bullying.

4. According to meganmeierfoundation.org, Cyberbullying can be particularly destructive because it can spread to so many people worldwide, instantaneously, anonymously or through impersonation, and may remain online indefinitely. 

1. Cyberbullying may cause victims to feel helpless, which in turn can lead to school violence, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
2. Also, once things are circulated on the Internet, they may never disappear, resurfacing at later times to renew the pain of cyber bullying.

B.  Emotional Appeals – makes the audience feel an emotion (sad, anger)

1. Megan Meier

The following story is from nobullying.com

1. Megan struggled with attention deficit disorder and depression in addition to issues with her weight.

1. About five weeks before her death, a 16-year-old boy named Josh Evans asked Megan to be friends on the social networking website MySpace.

1. The two began communicating online regularly, although they never met in person or spoke on the phone.

1. In mid-October, Josh began saying he didn’t want to be friends anymore, and the messages became more cruel on October 16, 2006, when Josh concluded by telling Megan, “The world would be a better place without you.”

1. The cyberbullying escalated when additional classmates and friends on MySpace began writing disturbing messages and bulletins.

1. About 20 minutes after Megan went to her room after leaving the computer, her mother found her daughter had hanged herself in her bedroom closet.

1. Megan died the following day, three weeks before what would have been her 14th birthday.

                2. Aftermath

1. According to the Associated Press, it was later that fall when a neighbor informed Megan’s parents that Josh was not a real person.

1.  Instead, the account was created by another neighbor, Lori Drew, her 18-year-old temporary employee Ashley Grills, and Drew’s teenage daughter, who used to be friends with Megan.

C. Solution (action) or Data (if you need more time)

1. End to Cyberbullying Video – Next I will share a video with you brought to you by Endcyberbullying.org

1. Founded on May 1st 2011, the End to Cyberbullying is a nonprofit organization aimed at combating cyberbullying in this modern age of advancing technology. 

1. Their mission is to raise awareness,

1. provide a plethora of cyberbullying information,

1. offer compassionate,

1. approachable services,

1. and mobilize students, educators, parents and others in take efforts to end cyberbullying.

                2. Make a donation

1. As a completely volunteer based organization, ETCB cannot achieve any of its objectives without the donations of generous individuals such as yourselves.

1. These donations allow ETCB to continue their work, developing a social network eventually devoid of cyber bullying.

1. Simply go to www.endcyberbullying.org/donate

1. Fill out the billing information

1. Choose the amount you’d like to donate

1. Finally, select “Submit”

1. Any donation you give can make a difference!

III.  Conclusion

        A.  Restate Thesis Today I have persuaded you to take a stand against cyberbullying. 

        B.  Concluding Thoughts: I hope today you make the decision to be the change in our generation, and help give a voice to those who have been bullied into silence.

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