Should there be any regulation of cyber bullying?

CYBER BULLYING


INTRODUCTION

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyber bullying occurs are:
  • Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
  • SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
  • Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
  • Email
The effects of Cyber bullying

The effects of cyberbullying mirror what occurs when a child is bullied in person.
Many children on the receiving end of a barrage of nasty messages suffer drops in school grades, low self-esteem, changes in interests, and depression.
But, cyberbullying can also have more serious effects on a child’s well being.

Responding to Cyber bullying


Schools already deal with bullying through anti-bullying policies and procedures, but cyber bullying, as outlined, presents new challenges.

As a teacher or school staff member, there are things you can do in the battle against online bullying.

Support: Provide the person being bullied with support and reassurance.

Evidence: Help the child keep relevant evidence for investigations.

Inform: Give the child advice for making sure it does not happen again.

No Retaliation: Ensure that the young person does not retaliate or reply to the messages

Privacy: Encourage the child to keep personal information private on the internet

Investigation: The cyber bullying claim needs to be investigated fully.

Report: Abuse on social networking sites or through text messaging needs to be reported to the websites and mobile phone service providers

CONCLUSION

The study of bullying behavior is a relatively recent field, and it is in transition. Over the past few decades, research has significantly improved understanding of what bullying behavior is, how it can be measured, and the critical contextual factors that are involved. While there is not a quick fix or one-size-fits-all solution, the evidence clearly supports preventive and intervention policy and practice.

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