Educators concerned about increasing trend of cyber-bullying
SINGAPORE: Educators say cyber-bullying is becoming increasingly common all over the world and it is no different in Singapore, where over 70 percent of students have access to the internet at home.
It may be the school holidays, but 12-year-old Michelle, who studies in a reputable girl's school, has had no respite from bullying by her classmates in cyberspace.
Michelle's pictures have been defaced and she has also been insulted in a blog with over 7,000 hits.
The cyber-bullying follows months of being ostracised in school.
Michelle claims vulgarities were uttered in her face and her classmates even threatened to stab her with a pencil.
Michelle has submitted a report to the school, but when her mother spoke to the school authorities, they asked if her daughter was being overly sensitive.
Schools do not monitor students' blogs so it is hard to track cyber-bullying.
Amy Tham, Michelle's mother, a student welfare advisor, said: "She wrote 'I need help from the school, I'm becoming hateful'. My daughter is not a hateful person, but it is making her hate, it is changing her. Somebody has to do something."
Experts say the perpetuator hides behind a screen in cyber-bullying, and because they are not seen, they will say things that they do not normally say to the victim in his or her face.
The comments are often more vicious and cruel.
And because many students can access the net, it makes it easier for the bully to recruit more people into his or her group.
Esther Ng, Founder, Coalition Against Bullying, said: "It goes beyond the classroom. The victim will start thinking that the whole school knows about it but honestly, we do not know how many people are aware of it."
Responding to Channel NewsAsia's queries, the Education Ministry said it advises schools to build a strong cyber-wellness culture which covers cyber-bullying.
Bullying in school is also tackled with the help of school counsellors.
Such solutions may be in place but when it comes to the actual practice, it is usually a different story.
Mrs Tham said: "The first person I spoke to did mention that maybe she could, if she needed to, get support from the counsellors. And it was funny because she said, 'You do know where the counsellors are, right?' And my daughter said no. 'Oh, they are on the top floor, 4th floor. Well-kept secret.'"
Besides counting on teachers, the ministry said parents are also key partners in education.
Mrs Tham said: "As a parent, I need to speak up for my child. But I also want to speak up for all the parents out there who may not know enough, whose children are hurting in silence and it doesn't have to be because it needs people to take a stand.
"The perpetuators need to be helped, in their own way, because they are still young and maybe they know no better."
Singaporean Youths Still Lacking In Cyber Wellness
A research by a community service shows that they are also not alert to scams and ignorant about copyright laws. Although Singaporean teens spend an average of 17.2 hours on the Internet each week, most of them don’t know much about cyber-wellness, defined as being responsible, respectful and rational, as well as being alert to scams and how to protect themselves.
Some say they have lost control over how much time they spend online and think life without the Internet is meaningless and depressing. Most also do not report any illegal activity they may come across online while others do not know what is legal and what is not. Many also exhibited ignorance about copyright laws.
These were among the findings from a preliminary report released by the social work organisation, Fei Yue Community Services, yesterday on a cyberwellness research on Singapore’s youth. The study was supported by the National Youth Council and targeted 1, 218 Secondary 1 to 3 students. The poll was aimned at assessing the awareness levels of local students to Internet safety.
The irony is that most students polled believe they are street-smart in cyberspace.The findings, in fact, show that Singapore youths are not using the Internet optimally and adopting cyber wellness practices.
The report was released to mark Safer Internet Day observed at the Orchard Road branch of the National Library today. The event is a worldwide effort to raise awareness among the younger generations about the dangers of the Internet, as well as to educate them on proper use of the technology.
According to the Cyber Wellness Task Force (CWTF) report in 2004, cyber wellness is: “The positive well-being of Internet users and a healthy cyber culture for the Internet community.
“It involves the understanding of the risks of harmful online behaviour, an awareness of how to protect oneself and others from such behaviour, and a recognition of the power of the Internet to affect oneself and the community at large.”Singapore’s blog and e-counselling portal, www.Gen.org.sg, defines cyber wellness as being astute, having respect and responsibility, embracing the Net while inspiring others, and possessing balance.
Facebook trio not charged
SINGAPORE – The three youth arrested for posting racist comments on Facebook have been given a second chance. In reply to media queries, Police confirmed Friday night that the boy “who started the Facebook group that stirred feelings of unhappiness and resentment against other races would be placed on a Guidance Programme”. He may be given a police warning after satisfactorily completing the programme – run by the Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports – and, in that case, would not have any criminal record.
The other two boys, who acted as the administrators to the Facebook page, have also been cautioned by the Police and will not have any record of criminal conviction.
“In consideration that the youth had acted out of immaturity rather than malice, and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, these actions were taken by Police,” said the Police. “The three boys have since apologised for their actions and the offensive online page and forum removed.”
The trio, aged 17 and 18, were arrested on Jan 31. The Police said it still takes a serious view of acts that can threaten the social harmony here, including those done “behind a shroud of anonymity afforded by the Internet”.
