INTRODUCTION.
Cyber-bullying involves spreading lies, threatening, stalking and harassing an internet user or via other electronic devices as cell phones. Most of the victims of cyber-bullying feel that it is worse than the normal bullying, which may include aggressive behavior, verbal taunting or physical abuse. The big question, however, lies on the person or institution that is liable for cyber-bullying. Many have pointed out on different institutions including the government, schools, and even parents. The debate lies on the person or group that holds the highest responsibility on cyber-bullying. The fact is that none of these groups should be held responsible for cyber-bullying, or its prevention: everyone and every group should play its part to prevent bullying. However, parents have a greater role than schools and government in preventing internet bullying.
According to Ali, a Federal civil rights official, the government receives about 800 complaints on bullying and harassments annually (Billitteri 2010, pp.1026). Bullying cuts across all cultures and demographics, and dangerous when used against race, religions, ethnicity, sexual backgrounds, and physical features. This implies that the levels of control and measures required against the act goes beyond the authority of parents and schools.
The Government has a considerable part to play in preventing internet bullying. It should take strong measures to prevent and control the act. Laws should be set aside on the use of internet in schools, and if possible at home. The government should set requirements on the use of computers and computer labs or any other electronic device used by students or learning institutions. This should be complemented by deploying IT experts in every learning institution who have the ability to detect bullying, and can trace the persons behind it. Additionally, the government should ensure deployment of psychological counselors in schools for assisting those affected by bullying trauma.
The government should also set strict laws and penalties to prevent internet bullying. Such laws should require the introduction of internet bullying, its effects, and ways of prevention to the school curriculum. The government should also set up administrators in schools where all cases of bullying should be reported, and actions taken against those involved. The head teachers and principals should also be under jurisdiction to report any bullying matters to police or any other administrative department. New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are the latest federal bodies to pass such strict anti-bullying laws (Billitteri 2010, pp.1016)
Most of the cyber-bullying acts happen in schools or are initiated by students. The school has, therefore, been pointed out as a prime cause of internet bullying. Most of the internet users obtain the knowledge and skills of use of computers from schools. This implies that the institution is liable for many internet bullying crimes. However, as a requirement in the modern market, schools have to create the knowhow on the importance and use of computers and internet.
Colleges and universities should have anti-bullying and anti-harassment programs intended to control the use of internet and prevention of bullying. Such programs should revolve around the dangers of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, disability, and sex. Students should be educated on the risks and dangers of relating to each other based on these factors.
The first step in preventing internet bullying is for schools to recognize the fact that the act exists, and there is the need to formulate policies to deal with it as most victims are students. Learning institutions should have policies promoting anti-bullying, and distribute such policies to all students. Students should be trained on what to do if such acts occur instead of making personal decisions that might affect their lives. Schools should also collaborate with the government in setting up disciplinary policies and measures to those found bullying.
Schools also have a part to play in educating students on cyber ethics and the provisions of the law. Students should be taught on application and practice of ethics when using the internet. They should also be educated on the effects and the provisions of the law on internet bullying (Billitteri 2010, pp. 1019). Creativity in schools may also be used as a means of preventing internet bullying; if schools are creative, they can avoid the claim that their punishable actions exceed their legal authority (Billitteri 2010, pp.1021). Creativity, in this case, can only be achieved by collaboration with education ministries and the government so that some policies are set aside reserving the rights of schools to punish students involved in internet bullying.
Most people are of the view that parents play the biggest role in preventing cyber-bullying. Parents have the greatest role when it comes to prevention of internet bullying. This is derived from the fact that they spend much of the time with the students, have rights to look through their personal chats, and can limit the time that students use on the internet. Parents should control their children as this is their primary role, and does not come under the obligation of schools or the government.
Parents should know the sites that their children visit together with the online activities that they carry out. They should be protective by knowing what their children do, and whom they do it with. They should establish rules on the use of computers, mobile phones, and other technology. For instance, parents should instruct their children on the sites they can visit when permitted to do so. They should also offer advice on how to be safe while online.
Parents also have a duty to play in the posts or pictures that their children post. They should teach their children on ethics in posting information that does not subject them to embarrassment. They should take the step of encouraging the children on the confidentiality of their passwords, as well as control over their online activities and identities.
CONCLUSION.
As people continue to use the internet, cyber-bullying is becoming a big problem, which associates with tormenting, embarrassing, threatening, and harassing the users. According to recent research in cyber-bullying, almost every high school student has experienced cyber-bullying. Adolescents who use computers for at least two hours a day are also likely to be victims of internet bullying.
Many educators and social scientists regard bullying as a serious social issue (Billitteri 2010, pp. 1025). The need to solve the issue continues to be pushed by the evolvement of technology, and increased use of the social media and technological devices amongst the youth. Cases of suicide have been reported out of unethical use of the internet, and this is feared to continue if nothing is done. The government, schools, and parents are the most blamed for the increased cases of internet bullying. Every group has its responsibility, but the greatest role lies on parents who play the biggest role in rising up their children. However, the groups should work in collaboration if cyber-bullying and its effects are to be minimized.
Reference.
Billitteri, Thomas, J. Preventing Bullying. CQ Researcher. www.cqresearcher.com, Vol. 20(43). Dec. 10, 2010. Page 1013-1036.
