Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying (also “cyber harassment” or “digital bullying”) is harassment, bullying, or intimidation that occurs through digital media and communication technologies, including social networks, instant messaging, email, and other online platforms. It is a form of psychological violence that can include doxxing, defamation, social exclusion, and threats, with serious consequences for the mental health and well-being of victims, being fundamental to implement prevention measures, victim support, and legal actions against perpetrators, as well as awareness programs to educate about the risks and consequences of this type of behavior.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that uses digital technologies to harass, intimidate, threaten, or harm individuals, characterized by its persistent nature, its ability to reach wide audiences, and its potential for anonymity for the aggressor.

Features

Operation

  • Digital Media: Use of digital technologies
  • Persistence: Continuous and repetitive nature
  • Wide Reach: Ability to reach large audiences
  • Anonymity: Potential for aggressor anonymity
  • 24/7: Constant availability

Objectives

  • Intimidation: Cause fear or distress
  • Humiliation: Publicly shame
  • Isolation: Socially isolate victim
  • Emotional Harm: Cause psychological harm
  • Reputation: Damage public image

Types of Cyberbullying

By Method

  • Harassment: Continuous harassment
  • Flaming: Aggressive and hostile messages
  • Exclusion: Intentional exclusion from groups
  • Outing: Disclosure of private information
  • Trickery: Deception to obtain information

By Platform

  • Social Networks: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
  • Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
  • Email: Email
  • Forums: Online forums and communities
  • Online Games: Video game platforms

Manifestations

Behaviors

  • Insults: Offensive and degrading messages
  • Rumors: Spread of false rumors
  • Threats: Threats of physical or emotional harm
  • Impersonation: Creation of fake profiles
  • Doxxing: Exposure of personal information

Impact

  • Emotional: Anxiety, depression, stress
  • Social: Isolation, loss of friendships
  • Academic: Poor school performance
  • Physical: Physical health problems
  • Extreme: Suicidal thoughts

Detection and Prevention

Cyberbullying Signs

  • Behavior Changes: Changes in behavior
  • Technology Avoidance: Avoiding device use
  • Emotional Changes: Changes in mood
  • Social Isolation: Social withdrawal
  • Academic Problems: Deterioration in performance

Preventive Measures

  • Education: Education about cyberbullying
  • Communication: Open dialogue with children and adolescents
  • Privacy Settings: Strict privacy settings
  • Monitoring: Supervision of online activity
  • Support: Available support resources

Tools

  • Content Filters: Filtering of offensive content
  • User Blocking: Ability to block aggressors
  • Reporting: Reporting systems on platforms
  • Help Lines: Help and support lines
  • Educational Resources: Educational materials

Impact

Personal

  • Mental Health: Impact on mental health
  • Self-Esteem: Reduced self-esteem
  • Relationships: Deterioration of relationships
  • Development: Impact on personal development
  • Well-Being: Reduced general well-being

Social

  • Isolation: Social isolation
  • Stigma: Stigmatization
  • Reputation: Reputation damage
  • Trust: Loss of trust
  • Community: Impact on community

Response and Support

For Victims

  • Documentation: Save evidence of harassment
  • Blocking: Block aggressors
  • Reporting: Report to platforms and authorities
  • Support: Seek emotional support
  • Resources: Access help resources

For Parents and Educators

  • Vigilance: Monitor online activity
  • Communication: Maintain open communication
  • Education: Educate about risks
  • Intervention: Intervene when necessary
  • Resources: Know available resources

Legislation

  • Harassment Laws: Protection against harassment
  • Minor Laws: Special protection for minors
  • Privacy Laws: Privacy protection
  • Defamation Laws: Protection against defamation
  • Cybercrime Laws: Cybercrime legislation

Responsibilities

  • Platforms: Platform responsibility
  • Schools: Educational institution responsibility
  • Parents: Parental responsibility
  • Aggressors: Aggressor responsibility
  • Society: Social responsibility

Use Cases

Child Protection

  • School Education: Educational programs in schools
  • Parent Training: Education for parents
  • School Policies: Anti-bullying policies
  • Support Resources: Support services
  • Early Intervention: Early detection and intervention

Organizations

  • Corporate Policies: Conduct policies
  • Training: Staff education
  • Resources: Support services
  • Investigation: Investigation processes
  • Sanctions: Disciplinary measures

Best Practices

Prevention

  • Continuous Education: Constant education
  • Open Communication: Open dialogue
  • Secure Configuration: Privacy settings
  • Monitoring: Appropriate supervision
  • Resources: Access to help resources

Response

  • Quick Action: Immediate response
  • Documentation: Evidence recording
  • Support: Provide emotional support
  • Intervention: Appropriate intervention
  • Follow-Up: Continuous follow-up

References