One of the many dangers of social media is cyberbullying. Because any user can create a fake account that they believe cannot be traced, bullies readily unleash their venom online with the expectation that they won’t get caught.

Many online bullies are social outcasts who use cyberspace to seek revenge on a society they feel has excluded them. However, some bullies are actually popular individuals who simply use social media to feel a sense of power over others.

According to the American Psychological Association, bullying is defined as any aggressive behavior that causes discomfort to another person. Cyberbullying can take the form of threatening and unpleasant messages, as well as trolling, a practice that often involves deliberate and anonymous hateful, bigoted, or misogynistic emails, messages, or postings on social media. This can be particularly problematic for adolescents who spend extensive time connecting with their peers online.

A study of more than 12,000 teenagers in several European countries indicated that those who used social media more than two hours a day had a higher risk of experiencing cyberbullying.

Levels of cyberbullying appeared to vary in different countries. For instance, Romania has a much higher rate (37 percent) than Spain (13 percent).

These findings argue for greater parental monitoring and a need to teach young people Internet safety strategies.