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TJMO Rhodes Youth Interactive Writer
It is not everyday that you find a spark of hope in difficult times- life can really feel that way for young people who often face challenges that can sometimes frustrate or simply puzzle parents,teachers or guardians in trying to help the situation.
One of those challenges is Cyberbullying, which one might say, more or less goes hand in hand with CyberStalking.
However not all is doom and gloom as there is help all around us in adults we can trust, professional help and online resources to keep us informed,alert and safe. For someone who might be asking, just what is cyberbullying or what is CyberStalking?
I wanted to share what I learnt from various sources on the subject, and will be glad to share links to some of the resources with helpful information.
There are various ways to describe Cyberbullying as it comes in many forms.
Amongst definitions that stood out for me, was one I am borrowing from UNICEF, which states: “Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted.”
I have heard some people in romantic relationships for example, complaining about a former love interest ‘stalking’ them on social media, always following their every move but with, “not-do-good” intentions. This happens to adults as much as teens and young adults.
The more active young people become, online, and the more those who didn’t have access to internet get it, the more situations we hear of, where bullying and stalking might take place.
I, encourage more constructive use of the internet, including researching on how to improve in our studies, good business ideas, running businesses, safe and healthy interaction with our family and friends all over the world.
But can one identify some bullying tendencies?
Apart from organisations doing a great job helping young people, there are recommended authentic websites that actually help with good information on how to identify Cyberbullying and what to do if being cyber bullied. I like the way UNICEF described it in an article dubbed: “Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it”.
The article highly recommends reporting cyberbullying.
“ If you are worried about your safety or something that has happened to you online, urgently speak to an adult you trust…” and further recommends seeking an organisation that offers “…help in your country.” Something helpful to understand is that even though as friends we may joke around with each other, there is a line to be drawn somewhere sometimes, we each need to be sensitive to how others may feel about some jokes. It becomes difficult I some cases to tell the difference between someone having fun or trying to hurt you, especially online.
And it’s true, some might actually laugh it off with a “hey, just kidding my guy,” or “c’mon don’t take it so seriously.” Experts advise that if you feel hurt or think others are laughing at you rather than “with” you, then the joke has gone too far and needs to stop. Let those doing it or promoting it know how you feel.
“If it continues even after you’ve asked the person to stop and you are still feeling upset about it, then this could be bullying”, says UNICEF.
The article mentioned something I thought was profound for real when it stressed that: “Stopping cyberbullying is not just about calling out bullies, it’s also about recognising that everyone deserves respect – online and in real life”.I totally agree. As young people we are not excused from respecting one another, from our peers,to parents and all those we interact with. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. There’s really no excuse for the trauma that cyber bullies cause.
Examples of this vile practice include:
spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos of someone on social media
sending hurtful messages or threats via messaging platforms
impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf.
Something to also note is that while face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can sometimes happen alongside each other, cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint – a record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse.
What are the effects of cyberbullying?
UNICEF describes it well:
“When bullying happens online it can feel as if you’re being attacked everywhere, even inside your own home. It can seem like there’s no escape. The effects can last a long time and affect a person in many ways”
Cyber bullying can affect an individual in the following ways:
Mentally — feeling upset, embarrassed, stupid, even angry
Emotionally — feeling ashamed or losing interest in the things you love
Physically — tired (loss of sleep), or experiencing symptoms like stomach aches and headaches
The feeling of being laughed at or harassed by others, can prevent people from speaking up or trying to deal with the problem. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can even lead to people taking their own lives.
No doubt cyberbullying can affect individuals in so many ways, but these can be overcome and people can regain their confidence and good health.
So in case you would like to read more from the useful resources I mentioned: here’s one which I consider a must-read:
Indeed cyberbullying is a serious challenge in young people,whether teens, young adults or even our primary school kids, yet many victims do not report the abuse. I hope we may have the opportunity to share more tips on how to identify it, speak up, fight for yourself or others, stop cyberbullying and also promote healthy, constructive use of the internet and all social media by (us)young people.
Speaking of healthy use of the internet,I received some news from a high school student who says he has launched an online study website for primary and high school students especially the exam classes to help in the Covid-29 pandemic. I’m still in communication with the student to get you more information and to have the website verified so that we share the full story with you.
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