Research and statistics confirm to the fact that cyberbullying is taking control at campuses and leave students as victims. There are a high number of cyberbullying cases in many campuses across the world. Students are under attack of bullying that takes place digitally. It is, therefore, the college’s decision to implement plans to fight any type of bullying. The student support must be effective in any campus.
This can assist you to;
- Know and understand what cyber-bullying is
- Understand what causes cyber-bullying
- How to identify a victim of cyber-bullying
- Top 5 tips to stop cyber-bullying
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyberbullying occurs over digital devices through text, SMS, social media platforms, apps, or sharing content in public with the aim to hurt or humiliate someone. This includes sharing, sending and posting harmful, false, or mean content about a person.
Furthermore, this can also come in a way of sharing private or personal information without someone’s consent which crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.
What causes cyberbullying?
Since cyber-bullying affects everyone more especially students at the campuses across the world, then we must understand the motives behind bullies. This means that cyber-bullying lies in the motivation of the bully. Here are motive factors;
- Revenge
Bullies tend to bully others in a way to retaliate for the pain they have experienced. As a result, they seek revenge instead of help. It makes them feel a sense of relief.
- Peer Pressure
In most cases, this happens when one is trying to fit in a group of friends or clique. It is easier for a newbie to succumb to the pressure of bullying others in order to be accepted.
- Lack of empathy
Bullies often believe their actions aren’t a big deal. Moreover, they don’t see any wrong with what they are doing. Often, they don’t see the pain they cause to others.
How to identify a victim of cyber-bullying
Students react differently towards cyber-bullying. Some hide it while other reports it instantly. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify victims of the abuse and help them in any way possible. See below how you spot the victim;
- Change of behaviour – when you know someone as a positive and jolly person and suddenly there’s a switch of behaviour, you need to reach out and find out what could be the problem.
- Mentally disturbed – bullies can leave you feeling upset, embarrassed, or and hate yourself for their actions. Therefore, if you pick up any changes in a student that is unusual, try get as close as possible to get on top of the real issue.
- Emotionally drained – even a socially active person can change their behaviour if they are being bullied online. They often lose interest in social media platforms and prefer being in a private space. You need to act and help that particular person.
5 tips to stop cyber-bullying at campuses
- Have anti-bullying policies in place
- Educate students about any type of bullying
- Offer support to the victim
- Report Criminal Acts to Campus
- Create an environment of mutual respect
As we have highlighted what cyber-bullying is and how you can identify the victim as well as the tips on stopping it, it is important that everyone gets involved to fight this. Parents need to lend a hand in fighting cyber-bullying and saving their kids. Institutions need to implement policies that protect the victims from any type of bully and offer training.