What is “Cyber-bullying” and what is being done about it?
Cyber-bullying is the term used to describe a range of serious, socially destructive behaviours using the new electronic technologies including chat rooms and social networking sites on the Internet, and the tools available on mobile phones such as texting, and the taking and sending of photographs and video clips. An American study showed that most incidents of cyber-bullying of children and young people took place while they were using instant messaging (IM), talking in chat rooms, or by email. Nearly 3/4ths of the incidents happened while the child was logged on to their home computer.
Cases range from a continuous stream of viciously worded emails targeted at one individual, to having sites posted such as “The Make Fun of Joe Bloggs Page” where there are ugly comments posted about his family, himself, accusations of obscene behaviour, posting of suggestive photos, etc. ‘Pop-ups’ from instant messaging can show up on the user’s computer screen calling the receiver names, accusing them of stealing, cheating, being stuck up, and/or threatening them directly with physical attack. These cruel forms of harassment can have a devastating effect on the chosen victims.
The schools and state government are getting serious about the problems of cyber- bullying and have begun taking steps to educate parents and students about what they can do to protect themselves. A videoconference in Sydney held in early November 2009 was one such initiative. Its aims were to raise general awareness of the issues around cyber-bullying and to develop solutions to the growing problem. One of the presenters was the NSW Education Minister Ms Verity Firth who spoke on the concept of ‘good cyber-citizenship’ skills being needed by everyone who uses these technologies. A number of security tips were mentioned at the conference, including these:
Decide with your family how you will all help protect each other online. Then set rules that express your personal and family values. Decide what activities are okay and what information it is acceptable to give out, and to whom.
Tell your children to only give their phone number to people they trust and that they want to have their number. This means they have the right to not fill in the blanks on forms that ask for their mobile number.
Get to know how your children’s mobile phones work, preferably before giving the phones to them. Do you know if the phones can download images from the Internet, use instant messaging, or access services that allow others to pinpoint their location? Each of these has serious concerns, and you need to consider your child’s maturity before allowing them such tools.
But don’t stop there. You should also consider checking the safeguards on any computers your children use at school, the public library, and at their friends’ homes. Also, regularly have your child show you their Internet contacts and activities such as buddies, blogs, browser history, image files, music downloads, and so on. Schedule this to happen periodically. You can explain that this is not intended to violate their privacy, but to protect them and the family from the very real risks that are inherent in the technology.
If they have “bluetooth” on their mobile phones set it to hidden. If their mobile phone is not set to hidden then they are vulnerable to ‘bluejacking’, ‘bluesnarfing’, or ‘bluebugging’. They can protect themselves from all of these violations of privacy by turning off bluetooth when they are not using it.
Bluejacking is defined as the sending of unsolicited images or messages from one bluetooth device to another. If you do not know what has happened you might think someone has taken over your phone. There are many popular websites for fans of bluejacking, even though it is a violation of other people’s privacy and property. These sites offer tips and tricks to use to do this to other people for fun. So protect yourself and your children by putting the phone on hidden.
Bluesnarfing is defined as the unauthorised use of information gotten through a bluetooth connection. People can hack into your children’s mobile phones and get any photos, contact lists, calendars and text messages. They can do whatever they want with that information, which leaves your children extremely vulnerable. No item on any mobile phone is safe from bluesnarfing.
Bluebugging is defined as someone taking control of your phone through bluetooth, and listening in on your conversations. They can also use your phone to make calls and send text messages that look like they are from you, but are not. The ramifications of that usage could be devastating to relationships and personal reputation.
Make sure your children turn their mobile phones off at night. Many people leave their phones on all night because they do not want to ever miss a call but children need an uninterrupted night’s sleep. All those exciting messages, reminders, and friends can be caught up with in the new day. However, if older children insist on keeping it on, then consider the use of ‘allow lists’ that will allow calls only from people they want to hear from in the middle of the night!
In case their phone is stolen or lost they should set a pin number. That way no one can use it. If they set a private identifying number (PIN) on their SIM card, whenever they start up a phone with their SIM card in it, the mobile phone will ask them to enter the PIN. This means that someone has to know the PIN in order to use his or her mobile phone number, or access text messages and contacts stored on their SIM card.
If the phone allows it, they should also set a PIN on their mobile phone. This stops someone else from using his or her own SIM card in the phone, without knowing what the PIN is. It is also a good idea to record the ‘IMEI’ number. This is the equivalent to a serial number for the phone. It can be used to help trace your child’s phone or prove that the phone is theirs, if it is ever lost or stolen. Locate the IMEI number underneath the battery.
Find out where to report any abuse and what the procedure is. Create a trusting home environment that encourages your children to report any suspected abuse to you. Your family members being educated and prepared to act as responsible Internet citizens can help change the culture of cyber-bullying and keep our daily life safe from such violations.