When we talk about bullying, it encompasses many manifestations of systematic violence between school groups. Cyberbullying (also known as cyberbullying) is found precisely in the list of this type of behavior with the difference that occurs in virtual environments.
Following the rise of virtuality, digital environments are created in different areas. However, These spaces are not always safe for children and adolescentswhich exposes them to various situations of harassment.
According to psychologist Liza Hernández, This form of bullying has gained relevance in our digital era: “Through these platforms, harassment can extend beyond the walls of the school, affecting students even at home,” says Hernández.
If you are a teacher, father or mother, we share key data on this form of harassment and how to prevent it.
What is cyberbullying?
“Cyberbullying It is a type of harassment that occurs through social networks And it also occurs through some video games They have streaming platforms where they contact others, since at the same time they can use it as a means to harass, humiliate, insult or treat badly, ”says psychologist Diana Lang.
The specialist mentions that those who exercise this type of harassment are children or adolescents is derived from emotional conflicts and to channel them, children become perpetrators through bullying or cyberbullying as an emotional download mechanism.
“This type of Bullying can demonstrate in the form of hurtful messages, defamation, exclusion or dissemination of rumors, which can also cause devastating effects and great emotional damagelike traditional harassment, ”adds Hernández.
In addition, Lang indicates that the anonymity that can be handled on the different platforms facilitates this type of behaviors that affect other children. For this reason, it is essential to determine how to prevent this situation.
According to him United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), if a child or adolescent feels injured before a “joke” or comment and experiences the feeling that others laugh at him and not with him, this is an alert sign. In other words, jokes They should not emotionally hurt others. Otherwise, it is not about humor but a possible act of harassment.
How to prevent cyberbullying?
- Awareness. Help children find and recognize responsible use of technological media, social networks and video games, Lang mentions.
- Train teachers and parents. It is important that the adult knows all the platforms that children use and how they work to properly guide their children and/or students. It is also important to understand how vulnerable identities are at the virtual level.
- Regular technology by minors. It is not about prohibiting the use of platforms or technological devices, but to guide children and adolescents to use it properly.
- Know denunciation mechanisms. There are laws that protect victims of harassment, so it is essential to know where to go. In Guatemala, you can appear to the Public Ministry (MP) and the Human Rights Prosecutor (PDH) to file these complaints. In that sense, you can also request legal advice if required.
- Create support networks. Both for prevention and for cyberbullying, the training of support circles for parents, teachers and students is required.
- Determine follow -up potocols. It is crucial to establish clear policies against bullying in all its forms, says Hernández.
- Promote respect and empathy at home and educational centers. These values are fundamental axes for the prevention of bullying in all its forms.
Finally, it is recommended to pay attention to any unusual behavior by children and adolescents. If this happens, it is vital to investigate what is happening and how to solve the situation to prevent any tragedy in the school environment.