Blog

A Social Threat in Digital: Cyber ​​Bullying

wtech platform etkinlik banner
Blog General

A Social Threat in Digital: Cyber ​​Bullying

As the time we spend in the digital world increases, we move our social connections to digital environments. But in this crowded new universe, a whole new type of bullying emerges.


Cyberbullying is defined as the use of digital technology to intimidate, anger, harass or threaten, humiliate or embarrass the targeted person.


Any online tool that allows information sharing can become a platform for cyberbullying. Especially the social media platforms where we spend more and more time day by day and various digital social environments where people from all over the world can come together, lay the groundwork for this new type of bullying. Cyberbullying can occur in social media, e-mail, messaging applications, text messages, forums, games and any medium where content can be shared.


Every age group is vulnerable to cyberbullying, but children and teenagers are common victims. In surveys, 1 in 4 adolescents admit to being bullied and 1 out of 6 adolescents admit to being bullied in digital environments.


How Can You Protect Your Child?


The first step in helping him is to properly explain what cyberbullying is.


Many children who are the target of cyberbullying are hesitant to share their experiences with their parents for fear of losing their internet or cell phone privileges. It is very important that he comes to you and knows that he is doing the right thing and that you can solve this problem together. For this, first of all, you should encourage the concept of cyberbullying to be known and spoken within the family.


In addition, some basic steps determined by experts to prevent cyberbullying can be listed as follows:


1. Feel free to block


Avoid spam, instant messages or messages by blocking the bullying profile.


2. Pay attention to online safety


Teach your child not to share account passwords, other sensitive information, or online location. Make sure they are informed about digital security fundamentals.


3. Get involved in the online world


Connecting with your child online is a powerful way to keep them out of potential danger, but find a way to do it in a way that doesn't make them uncomfortable or regretful, and be sure to get their consent.


Cyberbullying Among Adults


Research confirms that online hate spreads quickly and adults often have their share of cyberbullying.


While young adults aged 18-25 are the primary target,


24 percent between the ages of 26-35,


13 percent between the ages of 46-55,


The 66+ age group is exposed to cyberbullying, 6.5 percent.


Celebrities are also among the most targeted online. Celebrities, who are more accessible than ever thanks to social media, often encounter bad reviews and nasty comments. At the point where these negative comments turn into bullying, most famous names both in our country and around the world find the solution to close their posts to comments.


Of course, you don't have to be a celebrity to deal with all this digital drama. Many of us are targets of cyberbullying, and while we cannot control the online behavior of others, we can take some steps to improve our own experiences:


· Don't wait for it to happen on your own to take action. Don't stay silent when you come across an inappropriate comment or see someone grappling with digital harassment. Report abusive content to the social platform where it was posted. Prevent, not mediate, the spread of such content. Support those who are the target and those who are harmed by it.


· Try not to engage in one-on-one dialogue as much as possible when faced with bullying. You may prefer to keep data such as screenshots, recordings of conversations for possible evidence need. First of all, complain to the person on the digital platform you are on, and if you are faced with an unlawful situation (such as harassment, insult, threat), remember that you can seek your rights legally.


· Take time to learn about the privacy settings of the platform you are using. The digital security principles of some platforms may seem complicated, but for your security, it is useful to know all these rules and use your privacy settings according to your needs.

Leave your thought here

Your e-mail account will not be published. Required fields are marked *