Rosalie D. Bautista, Master Teacher II, San Fernando Elementary School, SDO Annex-Laur
With the development of contemporary technology, society has become more complex than ever. Children now spend more time on computers because of their popularity. They use the internet more frequently to conduct research, watch movies, listen to music, chat, and do other activities. They use the internet in different ways that occasionally they are oblivious to the destructive effects when they are using it. One of the most ubiquitous issues that must be addressed if we are to safeguard children’s mental health is cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying, often known as electronic bullying, includes sending hurtful text messages or emails, spreading rumors via e-mail or social networking sites, and purposefully excluding others to harm that person’s reputation. Teenagers could accomplish this using chat rooms, websites, blogs, e-mails, text, and instant messaging. Cyberbullying is a major problem that involves both the cyberbully, also known as the person who does the act, and the victim.
A cyberbully is a person who engages in unpleasant behavior toward another person online. Due to the anonymity of the internet and the ability of children to behave in ways they would never in real life, cyberattacks frequently cause more harm than face-to-face bullying. Online attacks have the potential to become self-sustaining. A nasty joke or untrue rumor can swiftly spread among peers and endure forever on personal computers and mobile devices and the victim is powerless to flee. Due to the many serious implications, it has on the victim, it needs to be addressed seriously. Additionally, it upsets a person’s state of mind. After being cyberbullied, many people are known to experience despair.
Contrary to physical bullying, where the victim could simply leave, technology now makes it possible to torment someone continuously in several ways and from any location. As a result, the victim could experience a damaging emotional reaction, ranging from hurt feelings to strong fury. Additionally, it might cause sadness or, in the worst circumstances, lead to suicide. This may leave psychological and emotional wounds that last a lifetime.
According to a study by Telenor, a Norwegian telecom firm, 66% of teenagers nowadays have received bullying messages from friends or chat buddies via the internet or mobile devices. Bullying is no longer restricted to the school grounds, the cafeteria, or the playground, and it no longer ceases when the bell rings and the students return to their classrooms or leave for home.
Cyberbullying now occurs from time to time. Due to their vulnerability and easy access to t he internet, children are prime candidates for online violence, making it extremely difficult to handle. The safety of children and young people, especially the most vulnerable ones, will be ensured through teaching parents how to deal with and prevent cyberbullying. Parents should be aware of cyberbullying and have resources available to them should their child experience it. Bullying can be significantly influenced by parents. They can keep an eye on their children and serve as a reporting and intervention resource. The necessity for educating parents on understanding and avoiding cyberbullying must now be given more consideration in the creation of intervention and prevention programs as a result of the shift in bullying to home contexts via technology. Furthermore, it is imperative for parents to learn more about their kids’ internet friends. Parents must be attentive and pay attention to the online behavior of their children to prevent bullying. If they believe their children are being bullied, it is needed to talk to them about it. Kids are typically reluctant to talk to adults about issues with their peers because they worry that if they report cyberbullying, they may lose their access to the internet. Parents need to give them the assurance that they may talk to you about anything and that they would support them. Bullied children may feel humiliated and take responsibility for their actions. Educate their child that no one should be treated unfairly and that you need to know what’s going on to be able to assist them. Being actively involved from the beginning is the best method to shield children against cyberbullying. They require your love and care.
As educators and socializing facilitators, teachers play a significant role in fostering positive connections among pupils and averting conflict. When bullying occurs, teachers are frequently present, and they are frequently the first people that students approach. After a bullying incident, teachers may respond in a variety of ways, such as by intervening, watching the situation, remaining neutral, ignoring the bullying, or making light of it. They can keep an eye out for bullying occurrences, step in to support the victim or the bully, and/or bring up the need of a supportive classroom environment with the group. When bullying happens, students anticipate their instructors to aggressively interfere.
Technology is wonderful and provides students with amazing options. The technology can, however, be abused, which can be incredibly distressing for individuals who are the targets of cyberbullying. While promoting the many available learning and social opportunities, adults must assist children and young people in becoming Fo earisk-aware. It is needed to take coordinated action throughout society to fight cyberbullying since it is the unacceptable face of new technology.