Cyberbullying is the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior intended to harm others (Wikipedia).
Like many adults who were bullied at school, I have vivid memories of feeling lonely and frightened. Bullying is a horrible experience for any child (or adult for that matter) which can have serious repercussions.
Worringly, with mobile phones, email and social media, cruelty to kids by other kids is not confined to name-calling or the playground:
Cyberbullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mails to someone who has said they don't want any more contact, to insulting, making threats and posting false information to humilliate them.
It's not just between kids either. For example, one in seven teachers in the UK are said to be victims of cyberbullying by pupils and parents. When cyberbulling happens in the workplace or on company websites, blogs, etc. it's called cyberstalking.
Luckily, action is being taken. High-profile campaigns, government schemes and charity efforts have been developed to combat this new cyber-danger.
Luckily, action is being taken. High-profile campaigns, government schemes and charity efforts have been developed to combat this new cyber-danger.
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ReplyDeleteAm I cyberbullying you? Although it couldn't be considered hostile behavior, I intensively use information and communication technologies to support you. Deliberately. Really :) Good post!
ReplyDeleteWell Sita, it's true that if you wanted to cyberbully me, you could, it would be hard for me to escape. Thanks to ICTs, you are omnipresent in my life! Luckily so far you only use them to support me :-)
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