Cyberbullying-The Use of Mean or Hurtful Language on the Internet

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto-Canada

Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use and even suicide in our schools. Recent report on cyberbullying among students is alarming and teachers as well as parents ought to watch out for signs of bullying among students and act accordingly to stop it. Bullying is considered by experts as the ways in which boys and girls act out of their aggression. It usually occurs among younger teens and pre-teens but begins to fade during late teen years. Research has shown that middle school years are crucial years to be aware of bullying!

Students and Cyberbullying: In today’s changing environments within school settings, increased attention is geared towards effective learning. There is a sense of urgency for innovation in education which arises as part of rapid economic and social changes. Sometimes, phones and digital equipment can help students achieve critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and autonomous learning. At the same time if these equipment are used inappropriately by students they become tools of Cyberbullying!