Page 298 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday break, and I am looking forward to working with the Yerrabi community throughout this year.
Cyberbullying
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (4.55): Last week, thousands of children across the territory resumed or started school after a summer holiday that probably felt too short for some, too long for others. This is an exciting time for parents and children, but it is not without some anxiety. Kids wonder if they will find friends and fit in. Parents often share in those worries, and also hope that their children will be safe, healthy and happy as they learn.
The spread of technology into book bags and pockets often makes learning easier and more fun, but it can also make it harder to keep kids safe. Bullying, unfortunately, has been around for a long time, but children and young people now face the added danger of cyberbullying. Moreover, the Australian Institute of Family Studies has found that whilst most cyberbullying occurs outside school hours, it often originates at school and involves classmates.
Cyberbullying is defined as harassment or intimidation that takes place online. This can occur using social media, text messaging, email, image sharing and other platforms. It can include sending intentionally hurtful messages, spreading rumours or lies, sharing humiliating or embarrassing images, and sometimes even making threats.
No-one knows for certain, but it has been estimated that one in five Australian children aged eight to 15 may have experienced cyberbullying. The most common time for this to occur is around the transition from primary school to high school, but it can and does occur throughout adolescence and beyond.
The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating. These include lower school attendance and performance; feelings of isolation, fear, and depression; and decreased self-esteem and confidence. In extreme cases, cyberbullying has even led to self-harm, including suicide.
Many parents and other adults can be oblivious to cyberbullying because, unlike what takes place on the oval at recess or after school, this kind of bullying frequently hides behind personal accounts and passwords. It is important, therefore, to recognise the signs and symptoms of cyberbullying and understand some of the strategies for keeping children safe.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner lists the following as signs that a child might be in trouble: being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone; changes in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry; appearing more lonely or distressed; showing a decline in their school work; avoiding school or clubs; and becoming secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use.
If parents or other carers see these signs, they should talk with their children. It is also recommended to keep a close eye on online behaviour and to keep kids connected to
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