ACTIVITY ONE: INTRODUCTION

HOW CYBER BULLYING DIFFERS FROM TRADITIONAL BULLYING.

➢ Cyberbullying differs from Traditional bullying primarily in the medium through

which it occurs.
➢ When Traditional bullying typically takes place face to face or in physical
environments like school, Cyber bullying happens online through digital
platforms such as social media, text messages or even through email.

FOUR FORMS OF CYBER BULLYING THAT MAY BE HAPPENING IN

SCHOOLS/COMMUNTIES IN MY AREA.

➢ 1. Harassment and threats through social media: Students may receive

threatening or harassing messages through social media platforms such as
Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook. These messages can be sent
anonymously, making it difficult for the victim to identify the perpetrator.

➢ 2. Spread of rumors and gossip online: Cyberbullies may spread false

information or rumors about a student through online platforms, causing
embarrassment and social isolation. This can have a significant impact on the
victim's mental health and well-being.

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 ➢ 3. Impersonation and fake accounts: Cyberbullies may create fake social
media accounts pretending to be the victim, posting inappropriate or offensive
content in their name. This can damage the victim's reputation and
relationships with peers.

➢ 4. Exclusion and cyberbullying in online gaming communities: Online

gaming communities can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, with
players using in-game chat or messaging systems to harass or exclude
others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation among victims

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ACTIVITY TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

THREE WAYS IN WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA COULD CONTRIBUTE TO

THE PHENOMENON OF “FOMO” (FEAR OF MISSING OUT)

➢ 1. Constantly seeing posts of friends and acquaintances engaging in exciting

activities or events can lead to feelings of missing out on fun experiences,
contributing to FOMO.

➢ 2. Social media platforms often highlight curated and idealized versions of

people's lives, creating a sense of comparison and inadequacy in individuals
who feel like they are not living up to the same standards.

➢ 3. The fear of missing out on important news, updates, or conversations that

are happening on social media can drive individuals to constantly check their
feeds, leading to anxiety and a sense of being left out if they are not
constantly connected.

TWO WAYS IN WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE

SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION AND FAKE NEWS.

➢ 1. Echo Chambers: Social media platforms can create echo chambers,

where people are exposed to only like-minded individuals or content that
reinforces their existing beliefs. This can make it easier for false information to
spread, as people are less likely to question or fact-check information that
aligns with their beliefs.

➢ 2. Verification: Many social media platforms don't require users to verify the
accuracy of their posts before sharing them.

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TWO ACTS/LAWS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE TO ADDRESS
CYBER BULLYING.

➢ 1. The Protection from Harassment Act: This South African law protects
people from harassment, including cyberbullying. Under this act, a person
who sends or posts harassing messages, photos, or videos online can be
prosecuted and punished with a fine or imprisonment.
➢
➢ 2. School Policies: Many schools in South Africa have policies in place to
address cyberbullying, including guidelines on how to report and respond to
incidents.

ARE THESE ACTS/LAWS ARE EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING CYBER

BULLYING?

➢ Here's my take on whether these Acts/Laws are effective in preventing

cyberbullying:

➢ On the one hand, the Protection from Harassment Act and school policies
provide an important framework for dealing with cyberbullying, sending a clear
message that it won't be tolerated. On the other hand, cyberbullying can be
difficult to detect and enforce, especially when it happens online and
anonymously.

➢ Therefore, I believe these Acts/Laws are effective to a certain degree, but

they might not be able to prevent all instances of cyberbullying.

IS THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCING SELF-ESTEEM AND

BODY IMAGES, PARTICULARLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE?

Social media can have both positive and negative effects on young people’s
self-esteem and body image. Few ways social media can influence self-
esteem:

➢ 1. Positive Effects: social media can provide a sense of community and

support, especially for young people who may feel isolated or marginalized. It
can also allow young people to explore different identities and express
themselves creatively.

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 ➢ 2. Negative Effects: social media can expose young people to unrealistic
beauty standards and create a constant need for validation through likes and
comments. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even eating
disorders.

ACTIVITY THREE: DATA GATHERING THROUGH

DATA COLLECTED
6

5
5
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES

2
2

1 1 1
1

0
TWITTER YOUTUBE WHATSAPP FACEBOOK TIKTOK
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

FUNDINGS FOR EACH OF THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Many of the candidates I had to help gather information

through the collection of data by doing a survey through
questionnaires: FINDINGS:

1. Question One.

➢ Many candidates actually chose the most popular social media platform which
was Twitter.

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 ➢ Twitter is namely one of the the top docile media platforms used globally
including both my school and around my community.

2. Question two.

➢ Many candidates understand the basic concept of cyberbullying as a form of

bullying that usually takes place on cell phones via digital platforms.

3. Question three.

➢ Many of the candidates never really experienced any type of cyber bullying
but have witnessed, from the data, collected some of the situations are all
related to minor type of cyberbullying that is normally/usually experienced.

4. Question four.
➢ Many of the candidates from the survey do not really have the idea/know
about the laws that protects social media from cyberbullying, giving an idea of
laws should be easily appealed to social media users.

5. Question five.

➢ Well, from the data collected, parent try at their best to try and control the use
of media by teenagers yet teenagers are not willing to cooperate with their
parents because of the social pressures they get from the media.

CONCLUSION:

➢ In conclusion, Twitter and other social media platforms can be both a blessing
and a curse for young people. While they provide opportunities for social
connection, creative expression, and community support, they can also
expose young people to unrealistic beauty standards and harmful
cyberbullying. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to work
together to educate young people on how to use social media responsibly and
to intervene when cyberbullying occurs.

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ACTIVITY FOUR: FINDINGS

WHY CYBER BULLYING IS A MAJOR CONCERN ON TODAYS

DIGITAL AGE, ESPECIALLY AS A YOUNG PERSON:

➢ As a young person, cyberbullying is a major concern because it can

have serious and long-lasting effects on mental health, social
relationships, and academic success. In today's digital age,
cyberbullying has become a widespread problem because:

➢ 1. social media provides a platform for anonymous and 24/7 harassment,

making it harder for victims to escape bullying.

➢ 2. Cyberbullying can be even more damaging than traditional bullying

because it can reach a wider audience and become permanently recorded
online.

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THE POTENTIAL LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING ON
VICTIMS’ MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

The potential long-term effects of cyberbullying on victims' mental

health and well-being are numerous and can include:

1. Emotional Distress: Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and low self-
esteem, which can lead to social isolation and even suicidal thoughts.

2. Academic Problems: Cyberbullying can interfere with victims' ability to focus and
learn in school, which can lead to lower grades, increased absences, and a
decrease in motivation.
3. Physical Health Problems: Victims of cyberbullying may suffer from physical
symptoms like headaches, stomach-aches, and sleep disturbances, which can
negatively impact their overall health and well-being.

4. Cyberbullying as a Gateway: Cyberbullying can lead to other risky behaviours

such as substance abuse, self-harm, and risky sexual behaviour, which can further
compromise victims' health and well-being.

THE ROLE THAT SCHOOLS CAN PLAY IN TEACHING LEARNERS

ABOUT PROMOTING POSITIVE ONLINE BEHAVIOUR TO PREVENT
CYBERBULLYING:

Schools can play a critical role in teaching learners about promoting positive
online behaviour to prevent cyberbullying. Here are some key points:

➢ 1. Digital Citizenship Education: Schools can incorporate lessons on digital

citizenship into the curriculum, teaching students about the responsible use of
technology, online safety, and the importance of treating others with respect
online.

➢ 2. Bullying Prevention Programs: Schools can implement bullying

prevention programs that teach students about the harmful effects of
cyberbullying and provide strategies for how to respond if they witness or
experience cyberbullying

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 ➢ 3. Peer Mentoring Programs: Schools can establish peer mentoring
programs where older students serve as positive role models and mentors for
younger students, teaching them how to engage in respectful and responsible
online behaviour.

➢ 4. Reporting Systems: Schools can establish reporting systems for

cyberbullying, making it easier for victims to report incidents and receive
support from school staff. This also creates an environment where
cyberbullying is not tolerated.

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ACTIVITY FIVE: RECOMMENDATIONS

ADVISE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE MEASURES THEY CAN

TAKE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS
OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ABUSE:

1. Limit screen time: Set boundaries for how much time you spend on social media
each day. This can help prevent you from becoming too consumed by it and
experiencing negative effects such as anxiety or low self-esteem. By limiting your
screen time, you can also make more time for other activities that promote mental
and physical well-being.

2. Be mindful of who you follow: Curate your social media feed to include
accounts that promote positivity and inspiration. Unfollow accounts that make you
feel inadequate or trigger negative emotions. Surrounding yourself with uplifting
content can help protect your mental health and prevent feelings of comparison or
inadequacy.

3. Take breaks: Give yourself regular breaks from social media to recharge and
focus on real-life interactions. Constantly scrolling through social media can lead to
feelings of isolation and disconnection from the world around you. Taking breaks can
help you maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

4. Practice digital detox: Consider taking a break from social media altogether for a
period of time. This can help you reset your relationship with technology and
reevaluate how you use social media. A digital detox can also give you the
opportunity to focus on self-care and reconnect with activities that bring you joy and
fulfilment.

5. Seek support: If you find yourself struggling with the negative effects of social
media, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or
mental health professional about your concerns. Seeking support can provide you
with guidance and strategies for managing the impact of social media on your well-
being.

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6.Effectiveness: These measures can be effective in protecting young people from
the negative effects of social media use and abuse by promoting self-awareness,
setting boundaries, and fostering a healthy relationship with technology. By
implementing these strategies, individuals can reduce the risk of experiencing mental
health issues, such as anxiety and depression, associated with excessive social
media use. Additionally, seeking support and practicing self-care can help young
people navigate the challenges of social media and prioritize their well-being.

TWO WAYS IN WHICH BYSTANDERS COULD BE ENCOURAGE TO

INTERVENE OR REPORT INSTANCES OF CYBERBULLYING:

➢ By implementing education and awareness campaigns, bystanders can

be encouraged to speak out against the abuse of social media by the youth.
(cyberbullying) campaigns can provide information on the potential harm
caused by abusive behaviour on social media, as well as the importance of
bystander intervention. By raising awareness and educating individuals about
the impact of their actions, bystanders are more likely to recognize the
significance of speaking out against abuse.

➢ Establishing supportive environments: can also encourage

bystanders to speak out against social media abuse. By fostering a culture
where speaking out against abuse is encouraged and supported, individuals
are more likely to feel empowered to take action. This can be achieved
through the implementation of clear reporting mechanisms, support systems
for bystanders, and a zero-tolerance policy for abusive behaviour. When
bystanders feel that their actions are valued and supported, they are more
likely to intervene in instances of social media abuse.

EXPLAIN THREE REASONS WHY YOU THINK THERE SHOULD BE

STRICTER REGULATIONS OR GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE BEHAVIOUR
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE:

1. Vulnerable to harm: Young people are particularly vulnerable to the negative

effects of cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to harmful content.
Stricter regulations can help to protect them from these risks.

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 2. Formative years: The teenage years are a formative time when young
people are developing their identities and sense of self. Strict regulations can
help guide them towards healthy online habits and discourage risky
behaviours.

3. Developing brains: Adolescents’ brains are still developing, making them

more susceptible to the effects of social media and online content. Stricter
regulations can help protect young people’s mental health and prevent long-
term negative consequences.

4. Many young people are unaware of the risks associated with online
behaviour, such as the potential for online content to be permanent and easily
shared.

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ACTIVITY SIX: REFLECTION.

MY POSITION REGARDING CYBERBULLYING

Based on my understanding of cyberbullying, my position is clear:

it’s harmful and had no place in society:

1. Harmful effects: Cyberbullying can cause severe emotional distress and long-
lasting effects on victims' mental health and well-being. It can also lead to academic
difficulties, substance abuse, and even self-harm.
2. Reach and anonymity: Cyberbullying can reach large numbers of people quickly
and anonymously, making it challenging to detect and prevent.

ACTIVITY 7: LIST OF REFERENCES.

Here is a list of references I used for this project:

1. Lim, J. (2019). Cyberbullying: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions. New York:

Routledge.
2. Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2018). "Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing
and Responding to Cyberbullying" (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
3. https://www.studocu.com/en-za/messages/question/6498454/suggest-two-ways-
in-which-bystanders-could-be-encouraged-to-speak-out-against-abuse-of-social-
media
4. https://www.quanswer.com/en/advise-young-people-on-the-measures-they-can-
take-to-protect-themselves-from-the-negative-effects-of-social-media-use-and-
abuse-in-each-answer-also-explain-the-effectiveness-of-these-measures

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