Before we move away from Web 2.0 technologies and start to focus on the second part of our module I wanted to mention something which I have found to be one of the negative sides to the use of these technologies, Cyber bullying. The full magnitude of this issue was brought to my attention during one of our school’s inset days at the beginning of this term. It would appear that this is the new preferred form of bullying amongst some children. For a lot of children today the use of the internet, social networking sites and blog are common practice. In some instances children will be ostracised if they are not logged on at the right time of day, but unfortunately in many cases it is taken a lot further than this. They use site such as these to post nasty comments, spread rumours and exclude people. Children can use the privacy settings on social networking sites to post images and messages often of a derogatory nature and choose who can view them thus giving them the opportunity to include everybody except the victim. By using this type of platform the information can be spread much quicker and to a much larger audience then calling somebody a vicious name in the corridor or pushing someone in the playground. This form of bullying has also opened us up as educators to be at a much greater risk. It is no longer a case of rude comments about teachers being written in the bathrooms, possible career ending false allegations have been posted on such sites and once they have been posted where the comments can be seen by the masses the allegations have to be investigated. Teachers also have to be very vigilant that their pupils do not gain access to their social networking and blog pages or befriend any pupils. Did you know that as a teacher of minors you can be prosecuted for having any pupils that you have taught in the last two years as a friend or follower of your social networking page?
From what I understand the main issues with cyber bullying is it can happen at any time, it is not confined to school it invades the victim’s personal space. The bullies can quite easily remain anonym which is often very distressing for the victim. The type of bully is also changing before the concept of cyber bullying was around the bully would be bigger, stronger or more popular child then the victim but now the anonymity of the bully means it could be anyone the relative size of them is no longer such an issue, and they are not just targeting other students. Teachers are just as at risk.
Unfortunately people will always find new and improved ways to hurt each other and unfortunately we will never be able to stop it but what we can do is try to make people more aware that it is happening by educating people in the ways in how it happens so that they can recognise it more quickly and ensure that children feel comfortable about approaching an adult if it happens to them. As a parent you should be aware what your child is doing on the computer and be in a position to stop them if you feel they are taking something too far.
Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me that
Web2.0 is a tool of great power, meaning that the effect of its negative use could be as strong and widespread as its benefits.
Vicious comments would be scary as well as painful when it is anonymous, as you cannot see who's actually saying it (it could even be your closest friends).
Also, it is very convincing that teachers are risking their professional career by the emerge of this new way of bullying. I didn't realise that when I first learnt about cyberbullying at school.
I found a short film on the issue. http://digizen.org/resources/cyberbullying/films/uk/lfit-film.aspx
Hey! I'm Emily. Norman gave me a link to your blog to check out how to convert PDF files and so followed your blog and added myself as a follower. Also checked out the link to Web 2.0 which I found useful.
ReplyDeleteRe your blog re cyber bullies, I agree with Mina that Web 2.0 has many great qualities but we have to be so aware and mindful of the negatives as well and I have just done a blog entry about “Avataring and Imaging” which also links indirectly to bullying about body image. Let me know what you think!
Cyber bullying is not just restricted to children and teens who use social networking sites but is perpertrated by adults too in the form of cyber stalking or cyber harassment. It’s a fact of our times that people act out fantasies on line pretending to be someone or something else and these can include harmful or violent fantasies. Hiding behind a computer can give even the shyest or quietest person a new confidence to say things they would not face to face [ie: they hide behind the technology!!!]
The internet is full of predators from paedophiles targeting children to serial bullies targeting anyone else and those who steel identities [ie: identify fraud] and we all become at risk.
Blogs are a real fun way for us to communicate with a global audience and we are almost obligated to be virtual but we must be constantly aware that some will use these blogs to damage reputations, criticise, hurt, embarrass or invade privacy. And so while we must embrace the tools at our disposal to promote ourselves in a professional capacity we must also be wary and make sure we use it wisely and build in as many safeguards to abuse as is possible!
Still being able to put myself in the category “teen” I have seen many examples of cyber bullying, stalking and harassment over the last couple of years as social networking sites have developed and taken over our way of life and the results for the victims can be anything from acute embarrassment to devastating.
Good luck with the profession it all sounds wonderfully creative !!!