With the new school year well under way, parents are being urged to look out for signs of cyberbullying among children.
Cyberbullying can happen on social media, and on messaging and gaming platforms.
And unlike with traditional physical bullying, children can't escape the cyberbullies in our hyper-connected world.
Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team
Head of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT), Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling said parents can report incidents of cyberbullying to schools.
“Nowadays, many school districts have online reporting options for cyberbullying where you can make an anonymous complaint,” he pointed out.
Parents can also reach out to JaCIRT for assistance and if necessary, contact the nearest police station or the Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division of the JCF’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch, he said.
Ignoring the bullies
But Lt. Col. Sterling added that in some circumstances, ignoring the bully could be a good option.
“Bullies commonly thrive on the reaction of their victims. Responding with hostility often provokes [them]. If you or your child receives unwanted email messages, consider blocking the sender or even changing your email address.
"The problem may stop, [but] if you continue to get messages at the new account, you may have a compelling case for legal action,” he said.
Be careful online
The JaCIRT head also advised parents to be mindful about the information they share online.
“Be careful who can access contact information or details about your children’s interests or habits. Limiting the information about them online may [reduce] their risk of becoming a victim."
Online harassment can affect victims mentally, emotionally and physically.
Digital footprint
However, unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint, which can help to stop the abuse and identify the perpetrator.
It is for this reason that Lt. Col. Sterling is advising parents and victims to document the offence in both electronic and print formats.
JaCIRT is a Division under the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, established to deliver on the mandate outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy of 2015, to address matters regarding cyberthreats and provide appropriate responses.