Cyberbullying is a significant issue in schools, affecting students’ mental health and overall well-being. It encompasses various forms of harassment that occur through electronic communication. Understanding the different types of cyberbullying can help educators, parents, and students recognize and address these harmful behaviours effectively.
1. Harassment
This form involves repeated, threatening behaviour directed at a student online. It can manifest as persistent messages or comments that intimidate or belittle the victim. The emotional toll on victims can be severe, leading to feelings of isolation and fear.
2. Doxing
Doxing refers to the act of revealing personal information about another student without their consent, often with malicious intent. This could include sharing addresses, phone numbers, or other sensitive data online, which can lead to further harassment or threats.
3. Masquerading
Masquerading occurs when an individual creates a fake profile or pretends to be someone else online to harm another student. This could involve using another student’s name and photo to post embarrassing or damaging content.
4. Fraping
Fraping is similar to masquerading but specifically involves accessing another student’s social media account without permission and posting harmful content from that account. This can severely damage the victim’s reputation and self-esteem.
5. Trolling
Trolling involves provoking or upsetting someone online by posting inflammatory comments or messages designed to elicit a reaction. This behaviour can escalate quickly and create a hostile environment for the targeted individual.
6. Flaming
Flaming is characterized by sending direct insults or derogatory comments aimed at a specific person through digital platforms. Victims may feel attacked and humiliated as a result of this aggressive communication style.
7. Exclusion
Exclusion entails intentionally leaving someone out of group chats, events, or activities online. This form of bullying can lead to feelings of loneliness and rejection for the victim.
8. Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is a more severe form of cyberbullying where an individual repeatedly harasses another person through digital means, often involving threats that create fear for the victim’s safety.
Recognizing these types of cyberbullying is crucial for schools in order to implement effective prevention strategies and provide support for affected students.
Authoritative sources used:
PACERCenter: An organization that provides resources and support for children with disabilities and promotes bullying prevention through education and advocacy.
CyberbullyingResearchCenter: A research-focused organization dedicated to providing information about cyberbullying through studies, statistics, and educational materials aimed at parents, educators, and students.
StopBullying.gov: A government website offering comprehensive resources on bullying prevention strategies, including specific guidance on addressing cyberbullying in schools and communities.
Reference
Agustiningsih, N., & Yusuf, A. (2023). Types of Cyberbullying Experienced by Adolescents. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 1
Macaulay, P. J., Betts, L. R., Stiller, J., & Kellezi, B. (2022). Bystander responses to cyberbullying: The role of perceived severity, publicity, anonymity, type of cyberbullying, and victim response. Computers in Human Behaviour, 131, 107238.
Warning Signs of Cyberbullying in Schools Cyberbullying is a significant issue in schools, and recognizing the warning signs is crucial for intervention. Some common warning signs that a student may be experiencing cyberbullying include: Emotional Responses: A noticeable increase or decrease in device usage, including texting, can indicate distress. Students may exhibit strong emotional reactions such as laughter, anger, distress, or sadness related to their online interactions. Secrecy About Online Activity: If a student hides their screen or device when others are nearby and avoids discussing their online activities, it could suggest they are involved in or affected by cyberbullying. Changes in Social Media Behaviour: The sudden shutdown of social media accounts or the creation of new ones can be a red flag. This behaviour might indicate an attempt to escape from bullying. Physical Symptoms: Students may experience chronic headaches, stomach-aches,...
Examples of cyberbullying in schools Cyberbullying has become a significant issue in schools, affecting students’ mental health and academic performance. Here are some real-life examples that illustrate the various forms of cyberbullying that can occur in school settings: 1. Harassment via Text Messages and Social Media A student named Joseph faced harassment from three of his classmates who sent him text messages blaming him for their failing assignment. They told him he did not know how to do assignment and how to cite. This made Gideon feel isolated and afraid to report the bullying to his lectures. As a result, he tolerated this behaviour throughout the first semester and ultimately decided not to return to their group the next semester. 2. Exclusion from Social Circles Mike, another student on a hockey team, actively worked to exclude Sarah, the only girl on the team, by convincing other teammates to unfriend her on Facebook. This act of social exclusion deeply up...
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