The Terrible Effect of Cyberbullying in South Africa: Protecting Our Children

South Africa ranks as the fourth highest in the world for cyberbullying rates, according to a global survey conducted by YouGov. Shockingly, one in every five teens is targeted, with 84% of their peers aware of the victimization. In today’s digital era, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant threat, affecting not just students but also parents who grapple with its lasting impacts.

As digital devices become ubiquitous, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant global health issue affecting young people far beyond school grounds.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying encompasses any bullying which occurs online, utilizing platforms such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and various gaming chat rooms. It can range from sharing unauthorized photos or videos to spreading rumours and exclusion from online groups.

Today’s youth are adept at using digital tools, making it easy to create and share harmful content like videos, memes, and texts filled with derogatory comments. The increase in trolling and cyberstalking only compounds the issue.

Victims often experience feelings of isolation, shame, and depression, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts, as noted by the South African College of Applied Psychology. The scars of cyberbullying can deeply affect a child’s self-esteem and ability to form trusting, meaningful relationships in the future.

Signs of Cyberbullying

Parents should be vigilant for signs of cyberbullying, which include:

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour, such as withdrawing socially or appearing anxious and depressed.
• Secrecy around devices or social media.
• A noticeable drop in academic performance.
• Avoidance of social interactions.

How Parents Can Help

If you suspect your child is being cyberbullied, maintaining an open and supportive relationship is crucial. Here’s what you can do:

• Encourage open communication without overreacting.
• Validate their feelings instead of minimizing the situation.
• Discuss what they need most in the moment, whether it’s comfort or actionable solutions.
• Work together to devise a plan that empowers them to feel safe and secure.
• Engage with educational institutions rather than confronting the bully or their family directly.
• Regularly monitor your child’s online activity to ensure their safety, emphasizing that it’s for their protection.

Empowering Students against Cyberbullying

Students can take proactive steps to safeguard themselves:

• Save and report abusive messages, but don’t respond to them.
• Preserve any evidence of bullying, even if it’s upsetting.
• Be cautious with personal information and online friendships.
• Secure accounts with strong, regularly updated passwords and privacy settings.

Through awareness and proactive measures, both parents and students can better navigate the challenges of cyberbullying, fostering a safer online environment.

How Can Parents Help with Cyberbullying?

Supporting Your Child:

1. Offer Comfort and Support: Share your own experiences with bullying to help your child feel less alone.
2. Reassure Your Child: Emphasize that bullying reflects more on the bully than the victim. Praise your child for being brave enough to discuss the issue.
3. Work Together: Involve your child in the steps you plan to take, ensuring they feel secure and part of the decision-making process.

Practical Steps to Address Cyberbullying:

1. Notify the School: Inform relevant school authorities like the principal or counsellor. Understand the school’s policies on cyberbullying.
2. Discourage Response: Encourage your child not to retaliate or respond to cyberbullying messages.
3. Document Everything: Keep screenshots and records of all bullying messages and content for use in discussions with the bully’s parents, the school, or even law enforcement.
4. Seek Professional Help: If agreeable to your child, arrange for them to meet with a therapist or counsellor to help process their feelings.

Prevention and Monitoring:

1. Block the Bully: Use device settings to block communications from the bully.
2. Limit Technology Access: Keep computers in public areas and set boundaries on cell phone and game use, possibly disabling messaging at certain times.
3. Monitor Social Media: Consider using apps that monitor your child’s social media interactions, adjusting the level of monitoring based on your child’s age and online behaviour.
4. Be Informed: Stay engaged with the sites and platforms your child uses, and create a dialog to encourage them to share their online experiences.
5. Set Clear Rules: Implement enforceable contracts related to smartphone and social media usage.

What If Your Child Is the Bully?

• Address the Behaviour: Clearly communicate that bullying is unacceptable and establish consequences if it persists.
• Seek Guidance: Consult with educators and counsellors for additional support and intervention strategies.

Being a Role Model:

• Demonstrate responsible online behaviour and discuss healthy ways to handle disagreements, aiming to reduce the likelihood of your child engaging in or responding to online aggression.

This comprehensive approach helps parents to not only support their child through instances of cyberbullying but also empowers them to prevent future occurrences and foster a safe digital environment.

Some Alarming Cyberbullying Statistics and Facts for 2024

Following are 15 critical statistics about cyberbullying, its origins, prevalence, and strategies for detection and intervention.

Key Cyberbullying Statistics:

• 46% of teens have experienced cyberbullying.
• 54% of adolescent girls report cyberbullying incidents.
• 58% of users identify Facebook as a common platform for hate speech.
• 49% of 15-to-17-year-olds have faced online harassment.
• 1 in 5 cyberbullied teens were targeted due to their gender or race.
• 67% of internet users have encountered online hate speech.

Cyberbullying in Schools:

• 30% of teens support school monitoring of social media to prevent bullying.
• 27% of students have been cyberbullied in the last 30 days .
• 55% of students have experienced cyberbullying at some point.
• Cyberbullying can lead to significant impacts on learning and safety at school, with 60% of affected students reporting a significant impact.
• 10% of students skipped school due to cyberbullying.

Adult Cyberbullying:

• 16.62% of males and 32.95% of females reported depressive symptoms due to cyberbullying.
• 7.54% of females and 2.3% of males considered suicide due to cyberbullying.

Recognizing and Preventing Cyberbullying: Key types of cyberbullying include flaming, harassment, denigration, cyberstalking, masquerade, and trolling. Warning signs can include social withdrawal, school avoidance, poor academic performance, and mood changes after online activities. Prevention strategies involve maintaining parental controls, setting media agreements, and proactive engagement with children’s online presence.

Remember, the first line of defence is being aware and being informed. As responsible parents we cannot afford to sit back and hope for the best.

Sources