Cyberbullying is bullying which takes place over digital devices.
This form of bullying can occur through text messages as well as online forums where people can view, participate in as well as share content.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are through emails, online gaming communities, social media, text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices as well as through online chatting over the internet.
Cyberbullies use digital devices to harass, threaten or humiliate you by posting personal information about you online. Cyber bullies do not have faces nor names, they do require physical power not strength in numbers and hide behind anonymity.
What are the effects of being cyberbullied?
Persons being cyberbullied may feel hurt, angry, afraid, hopeless, isolated as well as guilty and ashamed because they feel that the bullying is somehow their fault.
Preventing cyberbullying can only be done if the entire community works together in addressing it.
Parents should for this reason monitor the activities of their child online, especially if the child makes use of various online platforms.
The more online platforms a child is on, the greater possibility of him or her becoming a victim to cyberbullying.
The youth nowadays hardly tell parents or teachers about bullying because they feel ashamed from being victimized and fear that they may lose their cellphone and computer privileges.
Due to the fact that bullies also tend to be clever at hiding their behavior from adults, so if a child is being bullied it may not be obvious to a parent or teacher. Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happens around a child’s use of their device.
Here is a list of some warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying:
Other warning signs may also be:
In order to stop cyberbullying, it is best to prevent the problem before it starts.
It is thus important the youth together with the assistance of their parents and/or parents within the community to educate themselves on how to safely use the technology.
To stay safe, the youth should:
All schools in Namibia have teachers available at the schools whom are qualified and experienced in dealing with bullying. If a student is being cyberbullied, the student can talk to his parents, the life skills teacher or psychologist at school, or any other person they trust. It is important that the student report the bullying.
Is there anywhere else where I can seek support?
Yes, Lifeline/Childline Centre. They can be found here:
lifelinechildline.org.na
stopcyberbullying.namibia.to created by final year law students in support of the community impact project