As part of an event on the “Online sexism – what to do?” series of discussions, Safer Internet explains the current challenges of cyberbullying among children and young people.
Have there been an increase in cyber bullying cases during the Corona period? How should those around those affected react in these situations? And what can the school do in advance to prevent this from happening in the first place?
online discussion series “Online sexism – what to do?”, which we are organizing with the Women’s Service of the City of Vienna, revolved around these questions Barbara Buchegger from Saferinternet.at spoke to Marlena Koppendorfer from 147 Rat auf Draht. Among the participants were some school social workers who talked about their practice.
What has changed in times of Corona
The online times of children and young people were increased during Corona times. the emergency number 147 Rat auf Wire did not record a noticeable increase in cyber-bullying advice. However, more and more young people came forward who were worried about friends who could no longer reach them. Previously existing bullying cases, says Marlena Koppendorfer, continued online, including particularly drastic cases involving blackmail, cyber-grooming or nude photos.
Noticeably more young people reported being contacted via social networks such as Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok. It was not always clear to those affected whether they were people from their surroundings or strangers. However, since in many cases there was some knowledge, such as the names of friends or teachers, it can be assumed that it came from people in the immediate vicinity.
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To make matters worse, the closure of schools and the reduction of social contacts meant that the circle of friends could not support those affected as they would otherwise. It became more complicated for her to turn to adult caregivers outside her family. However, being able to turn to a trusted adult is important support in the event of a crisis. If that breaks down, the young people are often alone. In the discussion, participants were therefore concerned that some cyberbullying cases would probably only come to light with a delay.
Are girls affected differently?
In general, it is important to be careful with gender-specific attributions. But in the advice given by 147 Rat auf Draht, says Marlena Koppendorfer, it was observed, for example, that boys sometimes find it difficult to judge the boundary between fun and seriousness for others. Some of them would too easily view insults and threats as fun content.
Different strategies can also be seen in dealing with conflicts, in which old stereotypical gender attributions can be found. Boys would often report “warm conflicts,” with screaming, swearing and raging. For girls, it is more often about “cold conflicts” with silence, exclusion and the spread of rumors. Ultimately, however, caution is advised when typing according to gender, emphasizes Koppendorfer. How the individual deals with insults, arguments, lack of self-esteem or the desire to feel powerful usually involves a mix of strategies.
What parents can do
When parents to protect , they sometimes vehemently represent their supposed interests. But contacting the parents of other children directly in a possible bullying situation harbors a lot of potential for conflict. An intermediary body, such as the school, can contribute to a solution and can also speak out in seemingly hopeless situations.
In any case, it is important that parents take their child seriously. In the event of conflicts in the school environment, you can also support and strengthen your child in advance by enabling them to be valued and liked in other places. In this way, unpleasant situations at school can be endured more easily.
What the school can do
prevent cyberbullying ? An important factor is the school climate itself. If there are many conflicts about bullying among teachers, this also spreads to classes. Good teaching teams convey a positive approach to challenges and conflicts.
It is also helpful if teachers regularly deal with the topic of cyberbullying . This means that if an incident occurs, you will know more quickly how to react and what you should avoid. In crisis mode, however, clarity is needed about what steps need to be taken: What do I say to whom? How do I say it? Who can help? All of this can be well prepared as part of prevention .
What role the audience has
Parents and teachers only find out about many cases of cyberbullying very late. It takes students who have the courage to approach adults and not see this as “ratting out”. The spectators in particular have a crucial role in cyberbullying: only through them, the audience, does cyberbullying become “effective”.
It is therefore important to encourage students to intervene early and ask themselves as bystanders: What do all those who say nothing think? Why don't they say anything? Addressing other viewers specifically about their passive behavior can change many things in a positive way. Young people need to know: Violence is also a no-go online and everyone must contribute to non-violent coexistence.
Further links: Cyber bullying – what is it?
You might also be interested in: Cyber bullying, violence, pornography: report posts!
Source: Safer Internet
Article image: Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock
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