Cyberbullying is an ongoing issue. Educational experts are concerned it will increase as children spend more time on digital mediums.
With children spending so much time online learning or interacting with their peers, schools and parents need to encourage them to become kinder online citizens. Jackie Cook, COO of online school Teneo, says: “All schools in South Africa must review their bullying and harassment policies to include online and cyberbullying in its various forms. Online schools should have comprehensive policies and methodologies in place that ensure students, teachers and parents are able to confront this issue as it arises.”
cyberbullying and the law
South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 is already regarded as a milestone for online harassment. Victims can rely on criminal and civil law remedies to protect themselves from cyberbullying. Children also face the consequences of their cybercrimes as part of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, which regulates the way children are dealt with when accused and the consequences they face.
Read more about what the law says about bullying.
mental health and cyberbullying
“Young people tend to be unaware of the psychological damage of bullying and, since there are seldom consequences to their cyberbullying, see no reason to stop”, says educational psychologist and lecturer Fathima Badat. “They also fail to appreciate that any information – visual or verbal – once posted online, can never truly be erased. It becomes a permanent record, which can also rebound with significantly negative consequences.”
Badat adds that cyberbullying can be more detrimental to children than traditional bullying as the attacks can occur 24/7 via different channels. The bullies are often able to hide their identity via fake accounts. “This can result in paranoia, fear or depression and increased anxiety, which can cripple academic performance, personal relationships and communication with parents and teachers,” says Badat. Often, both the victim and perpetrator need psychological intervention or counselling.
learning to be kinder
Condition children from an early age to know the consequences of their online behaviour. They must understand their options when dealing with cyberbullying and online harassment. Also, show them how to identify fake news and verify information.
“Schools should strive to develop ethical, global citizens responsibly integrated into and able to navigate the rapidly evolving digital universe. Digital literacy should be part of various online curricula,” concludes Cook.
Also read 5 tips to keep your child safe online.
zero tolerance
Although easier said than done, schools must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to cyberbullying. Parents need to have open conversations with their children about cyberbullying and harassment. They need to check in on their children regularly and track social media channel use, especially with younger children. Parents must also monitor their children’s state of mind post-use – any instant change in behaviour could be a red flag.
