Cyberbullying, what next?

Bullying – the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force them to do something.

There is no question, bullying in all forms is horrific, and we must all join the debate to help stamp out bullying. Perhaps the most damaging type of intimidation is now cyberbullying. The ability to intimidate someone virtually is more widespread given the prevalence of access to people through digital connectivity. As a frequent commentator on digital and data issues, I have been asked to provide a perspective.

If you’re expecting a solution from me, then I am about to let you down. Bullying in all forms is a societal issue, seeking a defined solution will only lead to unintended consequences. An answer to this complex issue will be a combination of approaches that will take many years to implement. That said, we must all do everything we can as lives really are at risk.

I have noted with interest some of the suggestions to tackle cyberbullying, many focus on some sort of control over digital devices and social media access; I fundamentally disagree.

Access to digital devices and social media is here to stay. Digital connectivity has brought very significant gains in society. Banning devices and social media in schools, will not solve the problem of cyberbullying; it merely shifts the problem, worse still it may hide the act of malicious intimidation.

We must embrace the digital environment as a part of the solution, while at the same time, take action to educate and shift behaviour.

In my field of work, I see the positive and negative elements of global digital connectivity, there are numerous advantages for children having access to technology - children’s blood sugars can be measured in real-time during school by a digital device, vulnerable children can instantaneously connect with a person they trust in their moment of need, working parents can have greater flexibility as they are directly connected to their children. Lastly, technology is the norm in the world our children will one day work within, we must educate on its use and not restrict it.

If we are to tackle cyberbullying genuinely, it must be about behavioural change and not just a restriction on technology. We must resist the temptation to pressure our politicians into creating more restrictions on digital activity with our children. Through ongoing collaborative community engagement supported by social media and telecommunication providers, we can achieve sustainable outcomes through education. We must trust our children and invest in ‘real world’ education that appeals to all generations.

A social problem, with social media, needs a social answer.