Cyber stalking menace invades Sri Lanka
By Thilini Weerasooriya-2016-08-25The inseparable nexus which is the umbilical cord of education linking children and technology, one might say were two destinies meant to merge. Not astonishingly therefore, parents find to their enormous pleasure, that the young generation is astoundingly savvy in nearly every branch of knowledge because of the easy facility of the social media access to that knowledge.
However, this tech-savvy capability is also a storehouse of trouble which is misused for harassment. Cyber bullying is a controversial topic, because of it being a huge global menace.
The bullies have been around ever since tech users became tech-savvy. Technology provides them more opportunities to access others and conduct bullying using advanced methods.
According to 2015 statistics of the Cyber Bullying Research Centre, 14% have actually admitted to have engaged in bullying another and girls are much more likely to be bullied than boys. 43% internet users under 18 have admitted to being bullied and 1 of four has claimed that it has happened more than once. Anyhow 81% of teens also think that one can get off scot-free after cyber bullying than by bullying one in person.
According to 2015 statistics of the Cyber Bullying Research Centre, 14% have actually admitted to have engaged in bullying another and girls are much more likely to be bullied than boys. 43% internet users under 18 have admitted to being bullied and 1 of four has claimed that it has happened more than once. Anyhow 81% of teens also think that one can get off scot-free after cyber bullying than by bullying one in person.
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has identified the misuse of technology to abuse children in Sri Lanka. The NCPA monitors this via internet and mobile devices, yet the authorities have recognized the need for a constant watch to protect victims, while discouraging abusers in the process.
Along with UNICEF, the NCPA also launched a Facebook campaign in February 2016, to protect children online.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairperson of the NCPA, Ms.Natasha Balendra said "Children are especially vulnerable online and it is vital that parents establish open lines of communication and talk to their children about their child's life online, especially about things that make them feel uncomfortable."
In addition to this, Ediriweera Gunasekara, media spokesperson for the NCPA informed Ceylon Today that they are currently conducting a pilot project to combat the threat to children. The project which commenced on 22 July will continue until 22 August and is aimed at combating the growing threat to children posed by the improper use of internet and mobile devices to harass children sexually and otherwise.
The campaign facilitates children to complain to the NCPA using any social media platform, in addition to the 24-hour confidential telephone line.
"We received a lot of complaints via the hotline and social media platforms. We will release our report on the study of cyber bullying of children in Sri Lanka very soon. We are positive about the outcome of this project and its proceedings." he said.
What's so controversial about cyber bullying.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairperson of the NCPA, Ms.Natasha Balendra said "Children are especially vulnerable online and it is vital that parents establish open lines of communication and talk to their children about their child's life online, especially about things that make them feel uncomfortable."
In addition to this, Ediriweera Gunasekara, media spokesperson for the NCPA informed Ceylon Today that they are currently conducting a pilot project to combat the threat to children. The project which commenced on 22 July will continue until 22 August and is aimed at combating the growing threat to children posed by the improper use of internet and mobile devices to harass children sexually and otherwise.
The campaign facilitates children to complain to the NCPA using any social media platform, in addition to the 24-hour confidential telephone line.
"We received a lot of complaints via the hotline and social media platforms. We will release our report on the study of cyber bullying of children in Sri Lanka very soon. We are positive about the outcome of this project and its proceedings." he said.
What's so controversial about cyber bullying.
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying is the act of offending, humiliating, harassing, threatening or abusing somebody with the use of information and communication technologies. This includes relaying hate-messages, threatening someone via an electronic source, making hate-comments in social media sites or posting humiliating pictures without the consent of the owner. It may also be referred as cyber harassment or cyber stalking.
Cyber bullying is the act of offending, humiliating, harassing, threatening or abusing somebody with the use of information and communication technologies. This includes relaying hate-messages, threatening someone via an electronic source, making hate-comments in social media sites or posting humiliating pictures without the consent of the owner. It may also be referred as cyber harassment or cyber stalking.
Due to its rigidity, cyber bullying is made equivalent to physical violence.
Cyber bullying is scarier, because the internet is quite anonymous. On the other hand, while physical violence which can be traced with clear evidence, bullies in cyber space can leave the victim clueless about the bringer of misery. In addition, technology makes things quick, including the circulation of abusive pictures and rumours.
How does it happen?
Cyber bullying is scarier, because the internet is quite anonymous. On the other hand, while physical violence which can be traced with clear evidence, bullies in cyber space can leave the victim clueless about the bringer of misery. In addition, technology makes things quick, including the circulation of abusive pictures and rumours.
How does it happen?
Cyber bullying might be difficult to spot, since technology is complex and cyber space is enormous. Even more so, the internet is a haven for bullies. For instance, a teenage girl that is forced to share an inappropriate picture of herself with a stranger is more likely to be looked down upon, than the actual villain of the situation. 'Blame the victim' is the name of that game, invented by bullies.
According to CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team), cyber bullies tend to deceive teenage girls on the net by deceiving them into sending nude or semi-nude pictures and threatening to circulate their (non-existent) indecent pictures that they falsely claim to have access to.
According to CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team), cyber bullies tend to deceive teenage girls on the net by deceiving them into sending nude or semi-nude pictures and threatening to circulate their (non-existent) indecent pictures that they falsely claim to have access to.
What are the effects of cyber
bullying?
As experts define it, childhood and adolescence are extremely important stages as building blocks of life. Disturbances in these phases may cause dire consequences to the individual and thus to society. Cyber bullying is a threat to mental health as much as physical violence is hazardous to physical health. Generally, researchers have examined the relationship between involvement of cyber bullying and adolescents' with development of personality disorders, loneliness, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and inclination towards suicide.
How to cyber bully-proof a child?
You must be aware that cyber victimization is caused by persons who have disrupted relationships with their loved ones. For instance, a child's sense of isolation from family and friends which is a definite phase in the transition from childhood to teenage, could pave the way for him/her to be an easy prey of the pursuer who is also mentally sick.
Limitation
Although your child might see you as a stereotypical dictator, it is important to set limitations to the amount of time he/she spends in social media, or simply gaping at the smart phone. Be aware of his/her 'friends' on the internet and any person from cyber space the child is particularly mysteriously interested in.
bullying?
As experts define it, childhood and adolescence are extremely important stages as building blocks of life. Disturbances in these phases may cause dire consequences to the individual and thus to society. Cyber bullying is a threat to mental health as much as physical violence is hazardous to physical health. Generally, researchers have examined the relationship between involvement of cyber bullying and adolescents' with development of personality disorders, loneliness, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and inclination towards suicide.
How to cyber bully-proof a child?
You must be aware that cyber victimization is caused by persons who have disrupted relationships with their loved ones. For instance, a child's sense of isolation from family and friends which is a definite phase in the transition from childhood to teenage, could pave the way for him/her to be an easy prey of the pursuer who is also mentally sick.
Limitation
Although your child might see you as a stereotypical dictator, it is important to set limitations to the amount of time he/she spends in social media, or simply gaping at the smart phone. Be aware of his/her 'friends' on the internet and any person from cyber space the child is particularly mysteriously interested in.
Document
Keep a record of the online activities (emails, texts and social media posts). If things become more serious, you can get a printed copy of these posts,as well. Be smart. Always keep track.
Prevention
If you sense that your child is victimized, you can always block the number or the profile. It is technology, and a link or a number through some device must be present as a bullying mode. Obstructing access from your end is much safe. Response of any sort is highly likely to provoke a bully. If the food for the bully's thoughts is already provided, quit feeding the. Adjust privacy settings. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Educate
Some children and the majority of teenagers tend to be reluctant to report being bullied, due to the fear of punishment by parents or the bullies. Facing a bully can be a novel experience, but mingling with you is not. A majority of children struggle in the crucial transitional phase from a child to an adult so that sitting down with him/her and talking about their experiences may not be the most successful endeavour. However, a little pep-talk may not be as damaging as what the child might encounter in cyber space. Speak with the child. It might help him/her.
In addition, you can teach your young daughter or son that sharing a video or a picture with their friends can often be harmless, but that this is not applicable every time. Teach him/her to empathize with others, to substitute him/her to the same position of the person he/she is making fun of as well.
Keep a record of the online activities (emails, texts and social media posts). If things become more serious, you can get a printed copy of these posts,as well. Be smart. Always keep track.
Prevention
If you sense that your child is victimized, you can always block the number or the profile. It is technology, and a link or a number through some device must be present as a bullying mode. Obstructing access from your end is much safe. Response of any sort is highly likely to provoke a bully. If the food for the bully's thoughts is already provided, quit feeding the. Adjust privacy settings. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Educate
Some children and the majority of teenagers tend to be reluctant to report being bullied, due to the fear of punishment by parents or the bullies. Facing a bully can be a novel experience, but mingling with you is not. A majority of children struggle in the crucial transitional phase from a child to an adult so that sitting down with him/her and talking about their experiences may not be the most successful endeavour. However, a little pep-talk may not be as damaging as what the child might encounter in cyber space. Speak with the child. It might help him/her.
In addition, you can teach your young daughter or son that sharing a video or a picture with their friends can often be harmless, but that this is not applicable every time. Teach him/her to empathize with others, to substitute him/her to the same position of the person he/she is making fun of as well.
Report
If your child is being threatened, report to the authorities. According to CERT, cyber bullying is a crime and can have dire consequences under the law. The Police are a good starting point. You can always report to the NCPA or CERT who are willing to help in such situations. These law enforcement officials will help you and your child if a proper complaint is made.
According to Natasha Balendra, the NCPA will help any child whose photograph is being used against them online and the harassed child can contact NCPA via phone, SMS, WhatsApp, Viber or IMO on 0773220032 or 0713220046.
If your child is being threatened, report to the authorities. According to CERT, cyber bullying is a crime and can have dire consequences under the law. The Police are a good starting point. You can always report to the NCPA or CERT who are willing to help in such situations. These law enforcement officials will help you and your child if a proper complaint is made.
According to Natasha Balendra, the NCPA will help any child whose photograph is being used against them online and the harassed child can contact NCPA via phone, SMS, WhatsApp, Viber or IMO on 0773220032 or 0713220046.
