Cyber-bullying is an issue that has received much attention from the media, from concerned parents and schools alike, and for good reason. The level of access that today’s young people have to technology is unparalleled, and unfortunately lends itself towards greater instances of negative interactions online.
Is cyber-bullying worse than traditional bullying? Many would argue that it is, but I feel that this is only because it is a relatively new phenomenon that society has not adjusted to yet. Many policies exist for traditional bullying, and so children are able to play in the playground, walk to and from school and play in the park on weekends – although all of these provide the potential opportunity for them to be bullied. Adults feel confident knowing that students and authorities are aware of bullying, and that there are policies in place.
The same cannot always be said for cyber-bullying, which remains an unknown grey area for many students, teachers and parents. As many adults have not grown up with this as a personal threat, they feel unequipped to manage it. This is beginning to change, as more is done to understand and prevent this damaging form of bullying.
Dr Hinduja and Dr Patchin have released an easy to access and understand guide, Preventing Cyberbullying; Top Ten Tips for Educators. If followed, these simple tips will allow students to access the Internet, and thus learn from it, whilst remaining safe and respectful. Another great website which a guest lecturer showed us in class is icybersafe.com that teachers can use to remain up-to-date with the latest information, as well as providing them with video clips useful to show to students.
It is important to equip students to be able to safely and confidently use the Internet, as it will be an increasingly important aspect of their everyday lives.
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