This week in Digital Citizenship class we focused on cyberbullying issue. After reading required text book and watching videos I gained a new insight and a fresh perspective on cyberbullying. Especially Monica Lewinsky’s video: “The price of shame” was eye-opening for me. One more time I understand that making empathy is crucial in every aspect of life because a world without it would be chaotic and vulgar.
No doubt, internet is the most remarkable innovation and if it is used properly it can be an extremely useful tool for everyone. However, like every other invention it has gray side that people need to be aware of it. Apparently instant messaging, chat rooms, emails and social networking sites are leading diverse types of problems like cyberbullying, pedophiles, pornography and bad reputation. In recent years there have been so many situations in the media that informs children are suffering from cyberbullying in and out of the school and the number of the victims are increasing every day. Due to literal distance some people speak more straightforwardly, harsher or crueler than their real-life interactions with the other people. So, what is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is described as “willful and repeated harm caused using computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices” (Hinduja & Patchin, 2015). Cyberbullying consists of posting humiliating videos, sending hateful-harassing messages or even death threats, spreading lies, making offensive comments on social media profiles.
There are several types of cyberbullying. These are frequently encountered types of cyberbullying ones: Harassment, flaming, exclusion, outing, masquerading.
Even though online world is open to every age group particularly the teenagers are the most exposed to interact with virtual strangers. Since they do not have enough life experience most of the time they are not able to handle possible threats appropriately and make mistake. It is so sad to see that our kids are suffering from cyberbullying.
My generation was so lucky because after school we could go out of our homes and play games with friends on the streets. But this century’s children’s life style has changed due to technologic innovations. Moms and dads are both working, they came very tired and exhausted from work. Unfortunately, most of the parents are using digital tools like a nanny. Parents often do not know what games their kids play or what website they enter. They are not aware the hazard they may encounter. They close their door to foreigners but welcome numerous ones by internet. Or another handicap is arising silently. Parents have different points of view about using technology. While one of the parent give permission using technology the other one tries to limit and control the kid. In between two different idea kids do not know which approach is the correct one. Generally, kids take advantage of it.
What can be done to avoid online threats? Children use technology to search, communicate and socialize. At this point, courtesy, respect, common sense is three critical component that should be taught to our kids at home. Gist of the matter we should teach our kids to treat others the way they want to be treated. We must make sure that our children are safe on their own. If it is not safe playing on the street alone it must not be safe also to play games on the internet alone. First responsibility is parents then teachers and whole society.
We are now establishing connections with other people, both physically and in the digital world. Just as we act according to our rights and responsibilities in the physical world, similar norms apply to digital environments. At school digital citizenship should be given in curriculum. Every year educators are facing diverse types of problems Students problems and needs are changing therefore rules and policies should also be changed in schools. There should be programs that is prepared by school community. This community should consist of teachers, counsellors, librarians, educational technology and curriculum specialists, IT managers. All the members should actively engage to the process and take the required trainings for success of the program. After all this is done students can be expected to behave as they should be in the digital world, both within the school and outside the school.
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2015). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to cyperbullying. (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Cyberbullying What Is Cyberbullying? [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2017, from https://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/experiencing-bullying/cyber-bullying/
Castile, H. (2013). Cyberbullying : an exploration of secondary school administrators’ experiences with cyberbullying incidents in Louisiana. [Beaumont, Texas] : Lamar University, 2013.
Cyberbullying. [electronic resource (video)] : cruel intentions. (2007). New York, N.Y. : Films Media Group, , c2006.
Hébert, M., Cénat, J. M., Blais, M., Lavoie, F., & Guerrier, M. (2016). Child sexual abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, and mental health problems among high schools students: A moderated mediated model. Depression And Anxiety, 33(7), 623-629. doi:10.1002/da.22504
Machimbarrena, J. M., & Garaigordobil, M. (2017). Bullying/Cyberbullying in 5th and 6th grade: Differences between public and private schools. Anales De Psicología, 33(2), 319-326. doi:10.6018/analesps.33.2.249381
Williford, A., & Depaolis, K. J. (2016). Predictors of cyberbullying intervention among elementary school staff: The moderating effect of staff status. Psychology In The Schools, 53(10), 1032-1044. doi:10.1002/pits.21973