The pandemic hasn’t been kind to all. While many struggled with health issues and financial stress, there was an unnecessary addition in the form of online bullying.
There’s been a massive surge in online bullying cases amidst the pandemic. And now, a new survey shows alarming results on the same.
According to the latest survey conducted by telecommunications company Telenor, more than 68 per cent of youth surveyed from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand agreed that online bullying is a growing menace today.
With the onset of the pandemic, people started spending more time online. The survey suggests that nearly 70 per cent of the young populace spent considerably more time online compared to pre-pandemic times.
Manisha Dogra, VP, Sustainability for Telenor in Asia explains, “The change in time spent online can be a likely factor in the increase of online bullying. To add to it, the mental stress of COVID-19 restrictions could also contribute to an uptick in instances of online bullying.”
Online Bullying Increased Since The Onset Of Pandemic: Survey
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Through the survey, Telenor got more insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on internet usage and instances of online bullying among the youth in the region.
- About 1 in 4 of the youths who were surveyed (25 per cent) said they were bullied before the pandemic started.
- Almost a third (29 per cent) shared that they experienced more instances of online bullying since the onset of coronavirus.
- About 14 per cent of youths experienced online bullying at least once a week or more.
- Social media, online gaming, messaging apps and video game streaming turned out to be the top three platforms where the respondents experienced online bullying.
Even though society at large has become more aware of cybercrime and online bullying, the risk levels have jumped tremendously over the past few years due to rapid digitisation.
Dogra highlights that since online bullying is a complex problem, it requires collaboration and partnerships from many stakeholders. Only with everyone coming together, the internet can become a safer and more inclusive space.
How To Stop Cyberbullying: Schools Can Intervene
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Dogra adds, “Schools and educational institutions are central partners to help children and youth develop the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world in a safer way.”
Together with Parent Zone, Telenor has created a set of resources for schools, which include lesson plans for different age groups. This will enable children to learn and explore things at their own pace or as part of a classroom activity.
Ms Manisha further shares, “With the rapid increase in time spent on the internet by youth today, it is important to equip them with ways to protect themselves online. Note that awareness, training on online bullying and others is a multi-stakeholder exercise. It should not be left just to educational institutions alone, but parents and caregivers also need to take an active part.”
5 Tips To Talk To Your Child About Cyber Bullying
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- Have an open conversation: Dogra says that this is the most crucial step, where you need to ask your kids about their online activity and where they spend their time.
- Do some research: Parents also need to study how the different online games and social apps work. Only then you will come to know of the risks associated with each platform. The Telenor study revealed that messaging apps, social media and video game streaming services are the top most common platforms where youth experience online bullying.
- Let your kids open up: Make your kids feel safe so that they don’t hesitate to share things with you.
- Listen carefully: It is important to your child feel that they are being heard. And for that, you need to listen to their problems carefully. Do not dismiss their problems because they can have real-life consequences. It can be painful and emotional for your child, no matter how trivial it may seem in the moment.
- Stay alert: You need to be aware of what your child is doing, hearing and experiencing on the internet. It’s important that you talk to your child and follow up on any issues that are troubling them. Don’t trust any advice given through social media. In the age of fake news always cross-check information.
How To Stop Cyberbullying? What Should Be Your Response
Manisha suggests, “If online bullying occurs, it is important to stay calm and supportive. You should work to revive the confidence and self-esteem of your child. While you may be want to delete the upsetting messages but remember, it is important to keep evidence of any harmful messages. “
She further adds, “You can take screenshots and save them. Check which app or website they are being bullied through and report the bully to a moderator and block them. Additionally, parents must work on building digital resilience in the children and youth which can help them to bounce back even after a negative experience online.”
In today’s times when both parents have jobs, it’s extremely challenging to keep track of a child’s online activity. So here’s what you can do.
How Can Working Parents Monitor Their Child’s Online Activity?
Ms Manisha shares an important piece of advice for parents, “While it is important to be aware of what your kids read, play and post online, at the same time, digital snooping can alienate them and make them less open about potential challenges that they face.”
It’s important to note that kids too have the right to privacy and personal life. That’s why parents and guardians should know how to balance this with keeping children safe.
It goes without saying that striking this balance is not an easy job. It requires parents to be alert and aware.
She adds, “Try to talk to your child and know what they like to do online and get their confidence. When they feel they can come and talk to you if things were to go wrong, then they are less likely to hide mistakes and problems from you.”
How to stop cyberbullying: Do not dismiss your child’s internet activity
Parents, it is important to take your child’s digital life seriously. However, do not dismiss cyberbullying just because it does not leave physical marks.
Online bullying can severely affect a child’s mental health if left unchecked and can make them question their self-worth.
That’s why it’s important to remind children that no amount of bullying can take away from who they are. In most cases, it’s the lowest of the low who choose to hide behind the internet to say unpleasant things.
At the same time, make sure that your child isn’t being a bully to others either.
Tell your kids to always think twice before posting anything online. Educate them about the importance of protecting their passwords. Finally, tell them not to suffer alone. Reach out to family or friends even are a victim of cyberbullying.
Give them the confidence that they can walk up to you at any moment or find a friend to share.
The Internet can be a place of education and learning. So don’t let bullying of any kind make it a bad space for you or your children.
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