The new problem encountered in our society, mainly in schools due to technological advancement is cyberbullying. It is not same as bullying that happens at recess, hallways, or classrooms. It has moved beyond the four walls of a classroom and affecting our youth. What is it and how is it affecting our teenagers?
Based on several readings and watching video clips, cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor.
Bullying, which is one person or group of people having more power over another has always existed, but now technology has taken it a step beyond and made it far worse. In the past it used to be a face to face fight on the school playground between two people in front an audience of few others. Using technology as a source has allowed bullying to be a 24/7 torment for the victim making it far worse unlike face to face bullying that stopped once a child came home. Harassment through technology has amplified the pain and hurt as it is constantly in the face of a victim without it being aware by the adults around them as it is silent and invisible. The victim has lack or loss of control in the situation, and the constant torment can be damaging to the self-esteem of the teen which at this time is already at a vulnerable stage.
How do we equip teens to face these problems and resolve the situation is the big question that adults and parents are facing? We are not digital natives as teens are and so we are limited when it comes to detecting these issues in the cyber world. However, we are aware of the signs of bullying such as you might notice teens acting differently or seeming anxious, or not eating, sleeping well, or doing the things they usually enjoy. When teens seem moodier or more easily upset than usual, or when they start avoiding certain situations, like taking the bus to school, or avoiding school, or there is decline in academic performance, it might be because they are being bullied. When you as the adult notice any of these signs, you must open up a line of communication and be understanding, supportive, and guide them to resolve the situation. However, these days it is also important to address the issue of cyberbullying beforehand just the way parents address issues of drug, alcohol, and smoking with their teens. Schools should address this dilemma by having workshops for students where they are taught ways to address the situation, practice through role play how to stand up to bullies and teach bystanders strategies to help stop the bullies. Teens should also be shown to use the technology for the right reasons and show them how to self-protect themselves by using blocking and reporting on social network sites. Most important of all, adults need to the set the tone about not tolerating any kind of bullying. Cyberbullying is a crime punishable by law!
I loved the point that you make about parents knowing their children and when they start to see some changes in their behavior that it could be a sign of something wrong. I would hope that the parents already had an open line of communication in place before the changes, though sometimes (especially in the teenage years!) it isn't as open. I think that another suggestion would be to offer the same workshop in the evening for parents to come to and look at the technology their children are using! :)
ReplyDelete