The Anti-Social Side to Social Networking

Social media is a fast-growing suburb within cyberspace. It can take users around the globe within the space of a few seconds and clicks to catch up with long-lost friends or beloved family, keeping up to date with global events. We know, however, that there are sinister sides to this technological tool. Friendships, careers, reputations, selfconfidence and romantic relationships can all be tarnished and family ties can quickly be untied by cyberbullying.

Staying connected can sometimes end in isolation. Cyber safety sources weigh in on the severity of cyberbullying and the impact it can have on individuals.

Bullying is no longer restricted to the schoolyard; the online world seems to be the biggest portal for predatory people to verbally (and visually) attack their victims. Some social media sites have become arenas for abhorrent, anti-social behaviour. “Bullying is antisocial behaviour and there is a clear requirement to criminalise that behaviour,” says child psychologist, Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg. Beyond Blue states that being bullied online can inflict overwhelming feelings of vulnerability, victims can lose most of their self-confidence (if not all), making them feel like something is wrong with them - like they are an outcast. The independent non-profit organisation which addresses mental health, offers support services, such as an online chatroom that is open from 3PM to 12AM each day, a number to actively talk to someone (1300 22 4636), email and online forums all day, seven days a week.

Social media is a fast-growing suburb within cyberspace. It can take users around the globe within the space of a few seconds and clicks to catch up with long-lost friends or beloved family, keeping up to date with global events. We know, however, that there are sinister sides to this technological tool. Friendships, careers, reputations, selfconfidence and romantic relationships can all be tarnished and family ties can quickly be untied by cyberbullying. Many monsters, according to security experts, are masked by a screen, the digital divider that separates cyberspace from reality. The Child Safety Handbook, produced by Queensland Police Legacy, examines the idea that once upon a time, mobile phones were given to children as a safety device to ensure parents were contactable the second the child felt in danger or any distress. Flash forward to now where it may be that mobile phones are the main source of concern. A split second is all it can take for an individual’s world to be torn apart from a twisted text message and their happiness could be left hanging by a thread if they are being harassed. Their confidence can crumble very quickly if private pictures, personal details or ruthless rumours are sent circulating around social media by a conniving online identity (anonymous or not). If a situation online intensifies, it is strongly recommended that the police are contacted on 000 and made aware of the traumatising turn of events. It is crucial for every child to have a support system, says Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, while navigating an online world that is continuously evolving.

The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner offers the following tips on what to look out for if a child becomes a victim of cyberbullying:

• Does your child seem upset or distressed after using their devices? • Are grades beginning to suffer? • Has sleeping become a problem? • Does your child fear social situations?

Being abused, mimicked, harassed or threatened online will have a major impact on children’s behaviours, attitudes and activities offline. In this case, communication is the best way to cure cruel cyber situations, according to the Commissioner. Reaching out can be the remedy needed to resolve a risky or rattling situation, whether it be to trusted school staff, social media site teams, counsellors and/or family members and friends. To immediately act online when cyberbullying occurs The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner recommends to get in contact with the social media site team (1800 880 176), retain or record any messages from the online offender (ensure the targeted child does not make any response) and block the bully. If there has been no call to action after 48 hours, the malicious material can be submitted online to https:// esafety.gov.au/reportcyberbullying.

Kids Helpline

has been another great support service for young individuals to turn to if they are feeling overwhelmed with any situation that occurs online (or offline). They can be reached on 1800 55 1800 or their website is kidshelpline.com.au