... in recent years kids as young as 7yrs have told ChildLine counsellors of online abuse & torment. As an adult, someone not brought up in this digital, social media age, it can be very difficult to appreciate how young people are 'locked in' to the demands & effects of mobile / internet contact: we simply had a front door, & everything that happened behind that was down to our parents... how times have changed!
This is Anti-Bullying Week & in 2016 the NSPCC identifies online bullying as becoming the main reason youngsters contact ChildLine, with 33% calls relating to being 'picked on' via social media & gaming sites: 24/7 access & trolling is fast becoming a 'twist to the bullies knife', with children feeling they cannot escape the negative impact by simply being at home.
NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless says: “Online bullying is one of the biggest child protections challenges of this generation... a problem intensified by the ever-increasing presence of the internet. Years ago a child could escape their bullies when they left the playground and get some respite in the safety of their home, now the 24/7 nature of the internet means that a child can be targeted around the clock. Bullying, regardless of whether it occurs online or in person can have a devastating impact on a young person, affecting their self-worth, leave them feeling isolated and potentially being a trigger for depression.
In the worst case scenarios, bullying has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.”
One young girl told ChildLine she woke scared to go to school everyday, about the comments people made & about walking home: “Then I get in & log on to my social networking site & there are horrible messages everywhere... It’s like there is no escaping the bullies. I’m struggling to cope with how upset I feel so sometimes I cut myself just to have a release but it’s not enough. I can’t go on like this.”
Simon Leggett, research director, ChildWise, says: “Over the last 5 years, children’s access to internet-connected portable devices has increased rapidly, along with wider access to the internet out & about & in their own rooms. Their use of social media has likewise increased, exposing them to more potential online dangers.”
There is some very useful information on the NSPCC website about Bullying & Cyber-bullying. Indeed, they have launched a youtube video aimed at helping kids help friends they suspect are being bullied.
Nick Harrop, Campaigns Manager, YoungMinds, says: “Because of social media, young people feel under pressure to live their lives in public, to present a personal ‘brand’ from a young age, & seek reassurance in the form of likes & shares. Trolling & cyberbullying have also become a fact of life for many, & can have a devastating effect on self-esteem... But it’s important to remember the online world also offers huge emotional benefits, & many young people with mental health conditions see social media as an essential way to reach out for support.”
The advice for children & young people experiencing bullying includes:
- Tell an adult you can trust; a parent, relative, or teacher
- Call ChildLine for advice & support on 0800 1111
- If online, don’t be afraid to block & report any person you feel might be bullying you
- Don’t react, show bullies you don’t care (even if you do) & they will often get bored & lose interest
NSPCC’s Childline website has an area dedicated to online abuse / bullying www.childline.org.uk for young folk to share experiences & give support to their peers through message boards.
Children & young people can contact ChildLine for free, confidential support & advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk
