Preventing Cyberbullying

In the last few years, traditional bullying and cyber bullying have become two communal problems of our society owing to the major advances in technology and communicative devices. In spite of the fact that they can not be eradicated completely, the lack of action and initiatives will exacerbate the situation even more. Therefore, recent researches have passionately suggested that education, which is considered of crucial importance, and constructive cooperation between social factors, as for instance family, school personnel and professional organizations, can effectively contribute to the prevention of this complicated issue.

Mickie Wong-Lo and Lyndal M. Bullock, in their encouraging attempt to intervene in incidents of cyberbullying, have recommended many ways to deal with it. In their article entitled “Digital Aggression: Cyberworld Meets School Bullies”, they asserted that children do not acquaint their parents with their activities on the Internet and as a result parents do not know how to address similar situations (67). According to Kowalski, parents ought to follow “reporting techniques, which includes knowing when to ignore, block, or react, being mindful of the language being used and respond appropriately;” (qtd. in Wong-Lo and Bullock 68). In other words, the authors rightly emphasize that systematic supervision and knowledge can be valuable measures because parents will monitor children’s use of Internet and will be able to provide appropriate guidelines just in case a danger arises (Wong-Lo and Bullock 68). Moreover, as Keith and Martin argue, “[…] incorporating popular youth technology would be to teach youth how to use a social networking site to promote themselves in a positive manner that would appeal ...

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...the responsibility to protect young children with various means because experiences like cyberbullying can traumatize children both physically and mentally for the rest of their lives. Consequently, it is worth noticing that multifaceted education of each individual is a primary way of militating against the detrimental phenomenon of cyberbullying, which enhances aggressive behaviour and threatens social prosperity.

Works Cited

Bhat, Christine S. “Cyber Bullying: Overview and Strategies for School Counsellors, Guidance Officers, and All School Personnel.” Australian Journal of Guidance & Counselling 18.1 (2008): 53-66. Australian Academic Press. Web. 20 May 2011.

Wong-Lo, Mickie. and Bullock, Lyndal M. “Digital Aggression: Cyberworld Meets School Bullies.” Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth 55.2 (2011): 64-70. Print.