Technological advances generally have downsides. Today's generation has access to social media, whether on the computer, cell phones, tablets or anything else that can access the internet wirelessly. With this new front, bullying has taken a new form where the bully(s) hide behind technology to harass their victims. But this is not limited to individual interaction, such as by email, instant messaging, SMS, Facebook or Twitter, but can also include: sending private photos, hacking or accessing accounts, or threats or slander. A study by the Hartford County Examiner found that about half of teens have been victims of cyberbullying, and even those who were bullied admitted to participating in cyberbullying themselves. Few teens admit their cyberbullying to their parents or even law enforcement. To add to the frustration if this is reported, "only 12 states impose criminal penalties on cyberbullies." (STUDY: Children who are victims of cyberbullying are 3 times more likely to consider suicide, 2014) More emphasis needs to be placed on adolescents and children. Many do not even disclose that they are involved in the cyclical cycle that is cyberbullying. By teaching them that technology can help us in many ways and that misuse is causing problems all over the world. Since the 2000s, cyberbullying has slowly become a norm in our society. At that time, personal computers were small enough due to their small size and essential for the household. Companies such as AIM through AOL and Yahoo Messenger through Yahoo have become a popular form of communication among children and teenagers. In 2004, sites such as Facebook or Myspace added another way to communicate or stay connected...... middle of paper ...... teens and young adults need to realize that their actions are anonymous or have no consequences. With the influx of cyberbullying, it is essential that laws and preventative measures are put in place to keep teens, children, and young adults safe. Most parents take a more proactive role in ensuring their child knows that the home should be a safe environment for open dialogue so that problems can be identified and the appropriate channels can resolve them. Everyone on the Internet should keep their accounts secure by never revealing your personal passwords and changing them often to reduce the risk of their personal information being hacked. Everyone should be aware of the weight of words. There is an old saying that words can create but also destroy. can be used to express love or pay compliments, but they can also be used to ruin others with negative and hateful comments..