What Will Cyber Bullying in New Zealand Look Like in 2013?

As I prepare for the year ahead, my mind focuses on the hot topics that related to Cyber Bullying in New Zealand in 2012. Cyber bullying was right up there in 2012, so I wonder what we will see regarding this topic in 2013.

Cyber bulling was rife throughout the majority of schools in New Zealand last year. Some schools asked us to particularly focus on Facebook bullying in our internet safety presentations as this was where many problems lay.

Some teachers told me they spent a considerable amount of time dealing with the ‘fallout’ of what kids were saying to each other on Facebook. This is not only a huge waste of time and resources, but it also prevents teachers focusing on student education.

The NZ Law Commission published a Ministerial Briefing on Harmful Digital Communications  which proposes new laws to combat various levels of cyber bullying.

Since the document was published, several workshops were run around the country debating its content and throwing ideas around as far as how to best manage such a law, should it be approved. We await the next steps in 2013.

The proposed law changes have received flak from some commentators, touting that it will blur and interfere with free speech.

It is true that the guidelines for such a law need to be very clear, and that it will still require careful consideration in making any judgement. However, if we as a nation are serious about tackling and dealing with cyber bullying, it’s going to take a lot more than any law change.

It starts at home. Parents have to take this issue seriously and understand the impact it has on children, discuss the effects, symptoms and consequences, and take a strong stance if they discover any of their children engaging in such activity. It will require parents install internet monitoring software to monitor technology usage where appropriate, and maintain a positive relationship with their children.

There is the responsibility of the school, of which many are doing well and some not so well.  The Ministry of Education have been recommended by the Law Commission to issue new guidelines on cyber bullying. In the meantime, schools must have their own, which should include clear lines of communication for reporting, as well as dealing with the issue.

Lastly, students have a responsibility. There is no stronger power for change than within young people. Cyber bullying is affecting about 50% of students globally and adults cannot make positive gains to fight this problem alone.

In 2012 we saw a real ground swell of students in the US standing up against cyber bullying. Celebrities also came on board to help with the cause.

It is the constant pressure from teens banding together to fight cyber bullying that will ultimately make the difference. People are tired of cyber bullying. Let’s help make it something of the past.

So, what will cyber bullying in NZ look like in 2013? Hopefully better than it was in 2012.

What will you do to make a difference?