Cyber bullying refers to bullying that occurs using various communication technologies such as the internet or mobile devices. This type of bullying is behaviour that is sustained or repeated over time and has serious negative effects on the victims’ psychological and emotional wellbeing. Technology enables anonymity, which is why cyber bullying has become more common, especially throughout the teenage years. “Cyber bullying is more prevalent in older children with 31 percent of 14-17 year olds reporting that they have been cyber bullied compared to 21 percent of 10-13 year olds” (Microsoft Galaxy Research, 2008).
There are many types of cyber bullying which include:
- Personal intimidation
- Impersonation
- Exclusion
- Personal humiliation
- False reporting
Below shows the prevelance of the uses of mobile devices for cyber bullying
With the increasing use of technology in the school and home environments cyber bullying can happen at any place and at any time. This is why it is very important that preventative measures are put in place.
These include the following:
- Introduction of anti-bullying policies within the school. This should also involve members of the community to ensure that the policies are also upheld in the home environment.
- Teachers and parents should provide a supportive atmosphere for students, to encourage them to report bullying
- Teachers and parents should build students awareness of cyber bullying and the damages it causes.
- Teachers and parents should be educated about cyber bullying; including being aware of changes in students behaviours.
- Teachers and parents should educate students about ‘Netiquette’ and respect for others
- Make sure students are aware of who they can contact, including the Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/news-research/hot-topics/cyber-bullying.php
“Many potentially serious incidents are either prevented when peers share concerns with adults or when perceptive and compassionate teachers prevent peer problems through establishing a community of learners” (Ebert, Ebert II & Bentley, 2011, p. 124).
Teachers should ensure that bullying policies are upheld in the school and wider communities in order to effectively minimise cyber bullying.
Click on the button below to play the BrainPOP Cyberbullying Quiz to test your knowledge about Cyber Bullying!
References:
Cyber Bullying (2008). Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://today.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/840251/cyber-bullying
Ebert, C., Ebert II, S. E., & Bentley, L. M. (2011). The Educator’s Field Guide. United States of America: Corwin.
Amy Shine 20113752 