Cyberbullying and Online Schooling

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    Recently, the Directorate of Education (DoE) under the Delhi government has issued a circular to all schools to educate students and their parents about the safe use of the Internet and sensitise them about cyberbullying and online threats.

    Background

    • In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns, the number of students attending online classes has increased exponentially.
    • School education has shifted from the days of learning together in safe school environments to the online mode which is not that safe.
    • According to a study by the India Child Protection Fund (ICPF), the online exploitation of children has increased.
    • Internet spaces are growing and multiplying, however, data security, privacy and protection are inadequate to keep a check on this.
    • Increasing activities related to child sexual abuse material indicates a sharp rise in demand for online child pornography during the lockdown.

    Cyberbullying

    • It involves the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
    • It also involves posting pictures or videos aimed at harassing someone.
    • A wide range of social platforms, including chat rooms, blogs and instant messaging are used in cyberbullying.
    • Impacts
      • Affects a significant number of children and adolescents and infringes their rights to education and to health and well-being.
      • Negative effects on academic achievement, mental health, and quality of life in general.
      • Often prevents teachers from imparting quality education through digital platforms.
      • Acts against the provision of safe, non-violent and inclusive learning environments for all.
    • Cyberbullying Includes
      • Posting hurtful, nasty rumours or comments on updates, pictures and videos shared by an individual on websites.
      • Uploading embarrassing photographs online without the person’s permission.
      • Excluding individuals of different cultural, socio-economic backgrounds from online groups and forums.
      • Stealing someone’s account password and sending unwanted/inappropriate messages from that account to harass other individuals.
    • It is a punishable offence under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    Recommendations and Way Forward

    • It is imperative to make children and their parents aware of the safe use of the Internet.
    • It is essential that everyone is aware of the risks that could be associated with being connected to the Internet.
    • Schools should refer to and share guidelines on “Safe Online Learning in Times of Covid-19” which were jointly developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
      • The booklet of guidelines is aimed to sanitise the digital space and ensure that all stakeholders including teachers, students, and parents are safe as moved to digital modes.
    • Prevention and Countering Cyberbullying
      • Do not respond: After being bullied, a person must not respond or retaliate by doing the same thing as it may make matters worse.
      • Collect as much information as possible: A person should take a screenshot and keep a record of it.
      • Block and report: One should block the offender and report on the social media platform immediately, which is available on most online platforms.
      • Talk about it: Trusted adults like parents and teachers should be informed about the bullying incident.
      • Be private: Social media privacy settings should be kept high and connections should not be established with people not known offline.
      • Be aware: A person should remain updated with all the preventive and security measures in the cyber world.

    National Council of Educational Research and Training

    • It is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 by the Government of India.
    • Objective: To assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.
    • Functions
      • Undertake, promote and coordinate research in areas related to school education.
      • Prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary material, newsletters, journals and develops educational kits, multimedia digital materials, etc. organise pre-service and in-service training of teachers.
      • Develop and disseminate innovative educational techniques and practices.
      • Collaborate and network with state educational departments, universities, NGOs and other educational institutions.
      • Act as a clearinghouse for ideas and information in matters related to school education.
      • Act as a nodal agency for achieving the goals of Universalisation of Elementary Education.
      • Also interacts and works in collaboration with international organisations and offers various training facilities to educational personnel from developing countries.
    • It is an implementation agency for bilateral cultural exchange programmes with other countries in the field of school education.

    United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

    • It was established in November 1945.
    • Objectives
      • Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning.
      • Mobilising science knowledge and policy for sustainable development.
      • Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges.
      • Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace.
      • Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication.
    • UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
    • It has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members. India joined UNESCO in 1946.
    • Headquarters: Paris, France.

    Source: TH

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