Tech puts bullying under spotlight

New Straits Times
07-20-2009
Tech puts bullying under spotlight
Edition: Main/Lifestyle
Section: Tech & U
Column: First byte

BULLYING in school is nothing new. It's a problem that school administrators, parents and relevant bodies have to deal with for years. There's always someone or a group of students who like to inflict hurt on their peers. It can be in the form of physical abuse, rumours, gossips or threats, all of which have a devastating effect on the victim, physically and psychologically.

A decade ago, bullying was confined within the school vicinity and probably only a small group of students and teachers saw it or were aware of it. The humiliation for the victims was already horrible back then.
But in this cyber age, bullying has moved on to a new level. Bullies have extended their act from the school compound to e- mails, Web sites, chatrooms, text messaging and social networks.

With wireless technology, news of the bullying can spread quickly, get put online and seen around the world. Probably no one can agree with this more than the two female students in Terengganu who were allegedly victims of bullying in school. They were about to forget the whole episode and get on with their lives, but the bullying act was caught on camera, uploaded on the Internet and probably watched repeatedly by others.

For the victims, it was an embarrassment and intrusion into their privacy. While the bullies have been dealt with accordingly by the authorities, the victims have to live with the fact that they have become an "overnight sensation" for the wrong reason.

This case brings to light yet again the issue of tech abuse among the younger generation. While it is encouraging to see many making use of the Internet and other digital tools wisely, there are others who do otherwise and in the process affect other people's lives. And while there are laws to deal with cyber bullying and other forms of tech abuse, it is hoped that more efforts will be made to show the younger generation the positive connections and educational benefits of the Internet and its derivatives.

Parents and educators also have to do more to guide and provide the right information to help the young cope with the untamed virtual world.

(Copyright 2009)