Brakpan's Voice : Parents: are your kids being Cyberbullied?

This is the biggest problem in our schools.

Cyberbullying is a growing concern in South Africa, especially with the widespread use of technology and social media. It refers to when a person is bullied by another through electronic devices, such as cell phones and computers.

📌Report Cyberbullying: https://www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za/

How to react to cyberbullying:

Ignore—Dr Sameer Hinduja and Dr Justin W. Patchin of the Cyberbullying Research Center advise victims not to respond to “minor teasing or name calling” if they can avoid it. Sometimes bullies are encouraged by seeing a reaction.

Record—Keep a record of bullying messages you receive—in hard copy. If you can show an adult either the messages themselves or a diary of when you received them, it may be easier to verify what went on and who the bully was.

Reach out—Your parents, a favourite teacher, school administrators, counsellors, and even police officers can help you deal with cyberbullying. Your state laws or your school’s policies may have rules against cyberbullying that these trusted adults can enlist to help you. It’s also helpful to talk to friends or a counsellor so you can get their support when you are feeling upset by hurtful comments. There is no reason to suffer alone when you are the target of bullying.

Revenge Porn Laws in South Africa

Here are some key points about cyberbullying in South Africa:

1. Legislation: Until recently, South Africa did not have specific legislation addressing cyberbullying. However, the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 was finalized (though it has not yet come into effect) and aims to bring the country's cybersecurity laws in line with international standards. The Act criminalizes various cybercrimes, including those associated with cyberbullying. For instance:

· Sending electronic messages or social media posts that incite or threaten violence against a person.
· Disclosing intimate images of an identifiable person without their consent or linking an identifiable person to such an image in a data message. Intimate images include nude images or images of private parts, even if the person is clothed.
· A person found guilty of these crimes may face fines and/or imprisonment not exceeding three years¹.

2. Impact on Children: Cyberbullying among children has become a serious problem, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Victims can seek legal recourse through existing criminal and civil law remedies, such as obtaining protection orders or reporting related crimes (e.g., crimen iniuria, sexual exploitation, and criminal defamation).

3. Statistics: More than half of South African parents know of a child in their community who has been a victim of cyberbullying. The phenomenon has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic⁴.

4. Need for Awareness and Prevention: It's crucial to raise awareness about cyberbullying, educate children and adults about safe online behaviour, and promote responsible use of technology. Parents, educators, and policymakers play a vital role in addressing this issue.

Remember that cyberbullying can have severe consequences, and it's essential to create a safe and respectful online environment for everyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, consider seeking professional help and reporting the incidents to relevant authorities.