When School Bullying Goes Online

Article by the Scientific Team of “Together for Children”

The term bullying describes the physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of an individual or a group of individuals within a social context. It is not only found in the school environment but exists across all social settings, regardless of age.
School bullying can manifest verbally, through derogatory comments, mockery, insults, etc.; emotionally, for example by marginalizing an individual or group, isolating or rejecting them; and physically, through pushing, hitting, theft, and similar actions.
In recent years, cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent, as the internet is a space where most people—especially adolescents—spend a significant portion of their daily lives. Specifically, due to circumstances over the past two years, teenagers use the internet either via computers or mobile phones not only for educational purposes but primarily for communication, socialization, and connecting with peers. Increased usage appears to correlate with a rise in cyberbullying incidents, even within the school environment, among classmates.

Cyberbullying – Tips for Intervention and Management
Social media provides most of us with an attractive virtual reality, offering a variety of opportunities for exploration, entertainment, communication, interaction, and creation. In this world, people of all ages from across the globe connect in a network whose beginning and end are difficult, if not impossible, to define.
Proper and safe internet use, with clear boundaries and supervision, allows children and especially teenagers to socialize, gain information, have fun, and relieve stress. However, when these factors are absent, internet use can become dangerous, harmful, and traumatic for both the child and their family system.

Cyberbullying is defined as any form of harassment directed at an individual or a group through the internet or technology. The harasser may be known or unknown to the victim. Harassment can occur regularly or sporadically and includes a variety of actions such as sending inappropriate messages, abusive comments, hacking accounts or personal data, or posting photos without consent, among others.

Below are useful tips aimed at parents, educators, and children for the prevention and handling of such situations:

Parents’
Their own online behavior serves as a critical example. Parents should follow safe internet practices themselves and discuss them frequently with their children. Continuous monitoring of children online is equally important. Parental control programs can play a key role in creating a safe online environment. It is also recommended to regularly discuss and stay informed about the child’s online life and interests.
Continuously remind children that you are always available for anything that concerns them, both online and offline. If you notice sudden changes in behavior, investigate immediately to understand what may have caused concern.
Check your child’s social media privacy settings and ensure passwords are secure. Encourage them to keep online friends limited to real-life friends.Remind them that friends on social networks should only be people they know in real life.
Continuously discuss the risks of sharing personal data and photos, without creating fear or exposing them to distressing details of past incidents.
If a child reports being subjected to such behavior, remain calm, listen carefully, preserve evidence (screenshots, photos, etc.), and reassure them that it is good they spoke up. Assure them you will take all necessary steps to help them feel safe again.Contact authorities immediately and seek professional help.

Children
Follow the same rules online as you do in real life. Share your interests with your parents and allow them access.
Do not share passwords, photos, or videos with others. You can always show photos and videos in person to friends and family without posting them online.
Make sure your accounts and anything you share are private, and only accept people you know personally.
Avoid using cameras unnecessarily.

Do not respond to people you don’t know, even if they seem to know a lot about you. If someone asks for personal information or photos showing your face or body, do not send them, and inform an adult immediately.
If something makes you uncomfortable or pressures you in any way, speak up—do not let it continue.

Where to Seek Help:
For further advice, to discuss internet-related concerns, or to report an incident, contact:
Safeline: a) for general information: +30 2811 391615 or contact@safeline.gr, b) for reports: report@safeline.gr
Cyber Crime Division: 11188 or ccu@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr
To report incidents: 10201 / 1056 / 100
For violence and aggression among teenagers: 10306
Together for Children helpline: 11525