| What is Cyberbullying? |
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Cyberbullying is the term used to define bullying behaviour that takes place via mobile phone or over the internet through emails, instant messaging and social networking websites. Texts, messages or images are sent or posted on sites, which hurt, intimidate or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is not carried out face to face and people often don't know the identity of the person targeting them. But cyberbullying is no different from any other forms of bullying; the behaviour is the same and the impact is no less devastating. Advances in technology are simply providing an alternative means of reaching people - where malicious messages were once written on school books or toilet walls, they can now be sent via mobile phone or the internet. For children and young people the internet is a place not a thing. It's something that allows them to connect with friends and other children and young people at any time of the day or night. This means that cyberbullying can happen virtually anywhere, and is no longer confined to the classroom or playground. Children and young people can be targeted in their own homes; in their bedrooms and personal spaces where they should feel safe and protected. But that's not to say that mobile technology and the advances that brings is a bad thing; far from it. In the majority of cases, children and young people do use this technology responsibly. Disconnecting mobile phones or the internet won't make bullying behaviour stop. All adults need to take an active interest in the way technology is being used by children and young people and connect with them at home, at school, and in our communities. It can be difficult to enter into conversations with children and young people about responsible use of the internet and mobile phones, particularly because their grasp of technology can often overshadow that of adults! |