CYBER-BULLYING
We’re officially into our third week of the Social Media #giveup Challenge inspired by National Action against Bullying Day and Harmony Day! Seeing as how the aim of this initiative is to reflect on the impact that cyber bullying and a negative cyber environment has on our lives, here are some quick facts and tips on cyber bullying, how to notice cyber bullying and how to remove yourself from it:
1) Cyber bullying allows bullies an upper hand, especially with functions such as anonymity that make them think that their actions will have less of a consequence.
2) Similar to direct bullying, cyber bullying is also a repeated behaviour but is done through electronic means (such as the internet and mobile apps) with the intention of causing harm to someone.
3) Australia has been ranked number one with online bullying.
4) The effects of cyber bullying are still drastically underestimated in some areas.
5) A significant amount of youth in Australia use social media daily.
6) 80% of Australian children under 10 are active on social media and vulnerable to potential cyber bullying.
7) Don’t think that you deserve to be cyber bullied, don’t waste your time; block the bully and don’t respond to their messages.
8) A number of deaths in teenagers has been linked, directly or indirectly, to cyber bullying.
9) Sometimes, turning your internet off or stopping the use of social media may not work and the cyber bullying may continue to follow even after you turn your computer off. In cases like this, it’s really important that you keep evidence of the cyber bullying and contact authorities and authority figures.
10) Signs that someone you know is a victim of cyber bullying include: less interaction with others, sleepiness and lack of focus, negative self-perception, a decline in physical health and in extreme situations, suicidal thoughts.
Cyber bullying is such an important issue, especially in our generation where technology plays such a big role in our daily lives. It is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed and the #giveup challenge (link to page) and Positivitree (link to page) have shed some light on the topic and how we think about social media/ cyber bullying. Our social media challenge ends on the first day back of Term 2 (April 29th) and the Positivitree will be around for the entire year, so make sure you support the girls participating in the challenge and pick up a positive message at the Positivitree. Stay positive, be kind to one another and stay safe on the internet!
