Cyberbullying: A 2024 Perspective
Cyberbullying continues to be a pervasive issue, evolving with the digital landscape. Despite increased awareness and efforts to combat it, the phenomenon remains widespread, affecting individuals across all age groups. The rise of social media platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook has provided new avenues for cyberbullying, making it more prevalent and challenging to police.
In 2024, cyberbullying statistics reveal a concerning trend. With increased screen time due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and teenagers are spending more time online, significantly raising the risk of encountering cyberbullying. A staggering 21% of children have been cyberbullied, with a notable spike observed during the pandemic period. This rise correlates with the amount of time spent online, highlighting the direct impact of digital engagement on cyberbullying incidents.
Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook are the most common arenas for such bullying, with YouTube leading at 79%. Interestingly, the likelihood of being cyberbullied increases with age, particularly for children from lower-income households.
The consequences of cyberbullying extend beyond emotional distress, affecting victims' ability to learn and feel safe. A significant percentage of those bullied report a negative impact on their school performance and personal relationships. Conversely, perpetrators of cyberbullying may experience a boost in perceived popularity, suggesting a societal issue where harmful behaviours are inadvertently rewarded.
Cyberbullying is not confined to any single geography; it's a global issue that requires international cooperation. Countries like Italy, Sweden, Australia, and the UK are leading in awareness efforts, demonstrating the importance of a unified approach to tackle cyberbullying.
New Zealand faces a significant challenge with cyberbullying, impacting the mental health and well-being of its youth and extending across various demographics. The Harmful Digital Communications Act represents a legislative response to this issue, aiming to curb online harassment and providing a framework for education and prevention.
Cyberbullying in New Zealand is alarmingly high, with the country having one of the highest rates globally. A significant portion of New Zealand's youth report experiencing cyberbullying, leading to severe mental health risks, including depression, anxiety, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. The financial impact of cyberbullying on New Zealand society is estimated at $444 million annually, considering both the personal toll on individuals and the broader economic effects.
Efforts to combat cyberbullying in New Zealand include multi-agency approaches, educational programs, and parental awareness initiatives. Despite these efforts, parents' gaps in awareness and understanding about their children's online activities persist, underscoring the need for increased digital literacy and proactive monitoring.
Victims of cyberbullying often exhibit warning signs such as withdrawal, changes in behaviour, and a reluctance to attend school or engage in social activities. Addressing cyberbullying effectively requires a collective effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and the community to support victims, implement preventive measures, and foster a culture of respect and empathy online.
The issue of cyberbullying in New Zealand underscores the critical need for ongoing attention, resources, and action to protect individuals, especially young people, from the harms of online harassment.
To combat cyberbullying and support children in navigating the complexities of the digital world, parents can take several proactive steps. Here are some recommendations based on insights from various sources:
Foster a Strong Relationship with Your Children: Establishing a strong, trusting relationship is crucial. Encourage open and honest communication, ensuring your children feel comfortable discussing any issues or experiences they encounter online without fear of judgment or punishment.
Get Actively Involved with Schools: Engage with your child's school to understand their policies on cyberbullying and digital citizenship. Schools often have resources and programs designed to educate students about online safety. Participation in school meetings and events related to internet usage can provide valuable insights into the digital challenges faced by children.
Monitor the Moods and Behaviours of Your Children: Pay close attention to changes in your child's behaviour or mood, which may indicate experiences of cyberbullying. Withdrawal from social activities, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and unexplained anxiety or depression can be warning signs. Approach such situations with empathy and support, encouraging your child to share their feelings.
Educate Yourself and Your Child About Online Safety: Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about the digital platforms and apps your children use. Discuss the importance of privacy settings, the consequences of sharing personal information online, and strategies for dealing with cyberbullying. Encourage critical thinking about the content they encounter online.
Set Clear Online Boundaries and Rules: Establish rules for internet use, including which websites are appropriate, the amount of time spent online, and the importance of not sharing personal information. Use parental control tools if necessary, and respect your child's privacy and independence. Strive for a balance that protects them while allowing them to explore and learn.
Encourage Positive Online Behaviour: Model and promote positive online behaviour. Discuss the online impact of words and actions, emphasizing empathy, respect, and kindness. Encourage your children to be upstanders, not bystanders, by speaking out against bullying and supporting targeted people.
Know Where to Seek Help: Familiarize yourself with resources and support systems available for dealing with cyberbullying. Organisations like Netsafe in New Zealand advise and assist in managing online harassment. Know when to seek professional help if your child shows signs of significant distress or mental health issues.
By taking these steps, parents can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of cyberbullying on their children, promoting a safer and more positive online environment.
In summary, cyberbullying remains a significant concern in New Zealand and globally, with its impact deeply felt across various demographics, especially among the youth. Recent statistics illuminate the pervasive nature of cyberbullying, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this issue. The digital landscape, while offering numerous benefits, also presents challenges, such as increased vulnerability to cyberbullying due to higher screen times and the anonymity provided by online platforms.
New Zealand's approach to addressing cyberbullying involves legislative measures, such as The Harmful Digital Communications Act, alongside educational and awareness programs to mitigate the risks and impacts of online harassment. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including many parents remaining unaware of their children's online activities and experiences.
For parents, building strong, communicative relationships with their children, getting actively involved with schools, and monitoring their children's moods and online behaviour are crucial steps towards safeguarding them against the harms of cyberbullying. Education on online safety, setting clear boundaries for internet use, and promoting positive online behaviour are also key strategies. Furthermore, being aware of where to seek help is essential for providing the necessary support and intervention when cyberbullying occurs.
As the digital realm continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to ensuring it remains a safe and positive space for all users. Cyberbullying is not just a personal issue but a societal one, requiring a collective effort from individuals, families, educational institutions, and governments to effectively address and overcome it.
Helpful links:
NetSafe New Zealand - Parenting resources.
Elephant Trust - Helping equip schools and kura across Aotearoa with bullying prevention that works.
