More action is needed to prevent the potentially tragic results of cyber bullying, a campaigner says.
Barry Cummings, founder of the Beat the CyberBully Campaign, said the incidence of online bullying was on the rise in the UAE, in line with the global trend, and its consequences could be dire.
“Teachers and parents in the UAE have been feeding back to us, saying that cyber bullying is becoming more and more of an issue,” said Mr Cummings.
“We’ve seen some really tragic cases around the world where bullying has got to the point that the singled-out party has seen no other way out than to end their own life. This phenomenon is a serious threat to society.”
His campaign produced a report for the Ministry of Interior's 999 magazine this month.
The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Lt Col Awadh Al Kindi, warned that cyber bullies would not just go away if ignored.
“Cyber bullying should not be treated lightly,” said Lt Col Al Kindi. “Ignoring this gives cyber bullies a signal that adults don’t care and that it is acceptable behaviour.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure today’s youngsters don’t grow up scarred and damaged.”
Threats, blackmail and abuse are the most common forms of cyber bullying, the report said, and teenagers should be cautious before adding people to their social networks.
Bullying can include posting rumours or gossip, and even to the point of severe defamation and humiliation.
“Cyber bullying can occur 24 hours a day and seven days a week due to the ubiquitous nature of the electronic media and the internet,” said Dr Dan Florell, a school psychologist.
“Adolescent mental health can be very susceptible when teens encounter situations where they have no control and there is no perceived end to a situation.
“This explains common results such as depression, anxiety, psychosomatic problems, lower academic performance, self-harm and suicidal ideas.
“Results can, indeed, be severe. People across the world, including the UAE, have been shocked to discover that this sort of harassment can lead to suicide.”
Dr Joel Haber, founder of RespectU, a bully-prevention and management resource for companies, schools and parents, said this type of bullying could leave a child feeling isolated and humiliated.
“For some kids, that is too much to deal with,” Dr Haber said.
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