Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is any type of bully which takes places through digital networks, where the society will experience in the 21st-century world. Moreover, cyberbullying is to treat other person or community frequently by using social media’s such as Facebook, Twitter, WeChat and so on. Cyberbullying and cyberharassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means. It is also called online bullying.

Why do people cyberbully?

Cyber bullying happens for many of the same reasons as any other type of bullying, but it may be even more appealing because it can be done anonymously. They cyberbully because it helps them cope with their own low self-esteem, think it will help them fit in with their peers and have trouble empathizing with those they hurt.

The cyberbullying is mainly cause through the online:

•  Anonymity

Cyberbullying allows bullies to avoid facing their victims, so it requires less courage and provides the illusion that bullies won’t get caught.

• Ignorance of the consequences

The National Council on Crime Prevention reports that in a survey of teenagers, 81% said they believe others, cyberbullying because they think it’s funny. Because they don’t see their victims’ reactions in person, cyber bullies may not realize how much damage they are doing.

• Social pressure

Some cyberbullies may think their behavior is normal and socially acceptable, especially when friends egg them on.

What Can We Do to Help Prevent Cyberbullying?

There are many ways to prevent Cyberbullying. The effective ways are as given below:

1. Talk

Every people will tell you that the best way to help your child or student is to have a conversation first. Be patient and ask a child about the problem in general: what is cyberbullying, does he/she know someone who is being bullied, what children should do if notice acts of bullying. This way you will see how much your child is involved in the situation and which side he/she is on.

2. Monitor online activity

Cyberbullying has one advantage that is, you can notice it and save the evidence. If taking their phone away is not an option, you can install phone monitoring app Pumpic. It allows monitoring social media activity, including Facebook and Instagram, views all text messages (even deleted ones), calls logs and general online behavior. 

3. Engage parents and youth

Create a community for adults and pupils to send a unified message against cyberbullying. Establish a school safety committee that will control and discuss the problems of online bullying. You can create policies and rules, including cyberbullying reporting system. It is important to make the main objectives known to parents, school and children

4. Build a positive climate

  As a teacher, we can use staff and parents meetings and even send newsletters. Create a page and forum, where parents can discuss the problem. Moreover, we can also engage bullies and victims by giving them mutual tasks so they can try to see each other from a different perspective.

5. Volunteer in the community

As a parent, we can prevent bullying by working in the community. With our experience on the ground, appropriate strategies can help identify the victims and redirect bullies’ behavior.

How to stop cyberbullying as an Educator?

           Educate yourself

 Reading this article is a good starting point. Also, check out other fact sheets and resource lists on the internet to get more information about how cyberbullying works and how to stop it.

Educate others

Does your school already have a policy against cyber-bullying? If you’re worried that your school administration isn’t doing enough to fight this problem, you could try speaking to school officials about your concerns and offering to help develop policies. If your school is already addressing the issue, see if you can help get the word out.

Create digital citizens

Cyberbullying is impersonal in nature. It is important to teach children that the same rules apply in and out of the digital world. Clearly teach students how to be cyber safe and savvy. The rules are taught, digital citizenship can be imparted through explicit teaching. 

Raise awareness

 Awareness is powerful. it can change social perceptions that create panic over technology use or spread misunderstandings, awareness allows a positive atmosphere to emerge. However, it talks about age-appropriate cases of cyberbullying and their resolution. It also showcases how technology is being used in our community.

Let parents involved

 Parents may often be unaware of cyberbullying, so it is important to report what is happening so that they can intervene at home. Educators might suggest parents buy filtering software or special phones for younger children and teenagers.

Establish open communication with students. 

Students need to know who and where they can go to before a problem occurs. By the time a situation escalates, it may be too late. Students may be so stressed with their situation that they may not be thinking logically. It’s best to make resources clear and available before situations become muddled with stress.  

Zero tolerance policy. 

Make students understand early on that bullying of any kind, including cyberbullying is unacceptable. The teachers should teach students about being responsible world citizens who are accepting of individual differences. moreover, the teacher should create activities that build on strengths, to show students how each person has something unique to contribute. Incorporate responsible technology use. Teach tolerance and respect for diversity. An open environment is best where individual differences are appreciated.