On the minds of many young people will be the latest phones, tablets, games consoles and laptops. Whilst there’s no debating that these can all make great gifts, it is also important to acknowledge the potential pitfalls that come with modern technology. That’s why we’re kicking off the BulliesOut 12 days of Christmas by talking about the importance of being conscious when giving technology at Christmas. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a key issue in modern society. Recent research from cybercrew reveals some astounding online (cyber) bullying stats in the UK:
- One in five children between the age of 10 and 15 in England and Wales experienced at least one form of online (cyber) bullying.
- Out of 13,387 UK students aged 12–18, 27% identified their bullying experience as online (cyber) bullying.
- Name-calling, swearing, and insults were the most common type of online (cyber) bullying experienced by children in England and Wales.
- An estimated one in four children did not report the online bullying experienced.
- Up to 70% of children who experienced online (cyber) bullying said that the perpetrator(s) were people from their school.
In this month’s blog, we’re describing the importance of staying vigilant when gifting or receiving technology this Christmas to prevent online (cyber) bullying from perpetuating.
If you’re giving Technology this Christmas
Make sure you are fully aware of the impacts of technology
We touched on it in the introduction but it is so important to be aware of online (cyber) bullyingand the different ways it can present itself, some examples include:
- Flaming
- Harassment
- Denigration
- Online-stalking
- Impersonation
- Outing or trickery
- Exclusion (Ostracising)
You can read more under ‘Types of online bullying’ over on our ‘Online (Cyber) bullying’ page.
2. Stay up to date with current trends
The world of technology and social media is ever-changing and can be a scary prospect to those looking out for online safety. Knowing where to look can give you all the reassurance you need to be prepared to stay up-to-date and on the pulse. As well as our own BulliesOut website which is packed full of useful information, websites like www.ineqe.com also have a huge range of online safety resources that can be great for those gifting technology. Recent articles from them include:
3. Keep an open dialogue about the impact technology can have
If you’re able to, it’s important to keep open communication with those to whom you are gifting new technology to. Screen time addiction is a real problem in today’s world so ensuring that you remain diligent in setting boundaries can be a great first step in keeping an open dialogue.
If you’re receiving Technology this Christmas
1. Stay alert and act if you think you are experiencing online (cyber) bullying
Anyone can be bullied and it’s not always easy to recognise if it is happening to you, especially in relation to online bullying. Cybercrew found that 52% of the children who experienced online (cyber) bullying, said they would not describe their experience as bullying.
2. Remember to be kind online yourself
A lot of online negativity is caused by people posting on the spur of the moment. They might make a wrong assumption or be in a bad mood and this causes them to spew negativity into the comments section. Those reading the negative comments will feel hurt and upset and dragged down by it all. Of course, we’re all entitled to an opinion – but keep it as that – an opinion. It doesn’t have to be rude or nasty. You know the saying, “It isn’t what you say, it’s how you say it”? That saying really matters. Because having a discussion about a hot topic can be fulfilling for everyone involved when it doesn’t degenerate into insults, name-calling and rudeness.
You can learn more over on our dedicated ‘Be Kind Online’ page.
3. Keep tabs on your screen time
Time spent online can take up such a large part of a person’s waking hours, we must understand how it can impact a person’s mental health. To expand:
- One in three internet users worldwide is under 18yrs of age (UNICEF Report)
- 37% of adults check their phones five minutes before lights out, again increasing to 60% of under-35’
- Two in five adults (40%) look at their phone within five minutes of waking up, increasing to 65% of those aged under 35.
- Around a third of people say they feel either cut off (34%) or lost (29%) without the internet. More than half (54%) admit that connected devices interrupt face-to-face conversations with friends and family.
- More than two in five (43%) also admit to spending too much time online.
- People in the UK now check their smartphones, on average, every 12 minutes of the waking day.
You can read more about screen time addition here.
Conclusion
To conclude, technology is a fantastic and vital way to have fun and communicate with people in modern society. However, it is important to consider everything that comes with it.
- To read more of our online (cyber) bullying resources click here.
- For parents click here.
- For young people click here.
