Finding and selecting reliable sources for a research paper has always been challenging, especially for first-time researchers. However, understanding the challenges encountered during finding and selecting sources is the first step towards overcoming the challenges. During the process of finding and selecting sources for my research paper, I encountered the challenge of uncertainty about where to look for the information I required. I discovered that numerous databases and websites contained articles with information about bullying. However, I had to be specific about what I looked for in my topic. I had to specify my search and indicate that I required articles and sources with information about high school bullying and not just any form of bullying. With the definite specification, I was sure I would locate several sources with relevant information that would be reliable for my research paper.
The other challenge prevalent during the process of finding and selecting sources is identifying the databases to search for the sources intended to be used in the research activity. I realized that the research topic guides the research in identifying the databases used. Therefore, my research topic was very useful in identifying the databases and websites that would help to find reliable sources for my research activity. The databases that contained reliable sources for my research paper included EBSCO Host, Springer, and Science Direct. These databases can easily be accessed through Google Scholar and the college library. Various websites also contained reliable information about high school bullying in the United States. For instance, the New York Times website, the BBC website, and the CNN websites contain reliable sources with information about the prevalence of high school bullying in the United States.
The main reason most high-school students become bullies is the influence of cyberbullying (Armitage 2). Cyberbullying has become prevalent in modern society due to technological advancement. Besides, cyberbullying is easily accessible due to extensive media coverage and the ease of accessing it through the internet. When high school students access cyberbullying through the internet or other media forms, they become acquainted with the various techniques used to execute the various forms of bullying. Thus, they intend to practice those techniques on their fellow students, negatively impacting their well-being. For instance, high school shootings have increased due to the violent movies that high school students watch on the internet and other media. The article by Armitage identifies that the movie industry is largely blamed for the increased cases of bullying among high school students. The movie industry has heavily prioritized violence and the use of firearms in almost all movies. As teenagers watch those violent movies, the temptation to exercise violence watched increases.
High school bullying negatively affects students’ physical well-being (deLara 2382). Physical bullying causes injuries to the victims and might lead to death in adversity. Physical bullying is executed in varied ways that might range from beatings to torture and are mostly done by students who have been exposed to violent scenes and cyberbullying for a long time (deLara 2384). Cyberbullying can also be in the form of sexual harassment, especially among girls with physical disabilities. Regardless of the form of physical bullying, the victims develop fear and physical injuries that might affect their social well-being and ease of interacting with other students. The performance of the students affected by cyberbullying also declines because of the fear and low esteem developed when the students are exposed to cyberbullying. There have been several cases where victims of cyberbullying have developed permanent injuries and scars due to physical bullying (deLara 2385-2386). Physical bullying is a vice and should be shunned to enhance the protection of all students.
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