Bullying and Cyberbullying: What They Are and How to Take Action

To explain what cyberbullying is, we need to start with the definition of bullying.

The Ministry of Education defines bullying as:

a series of violent and intimidating actions carried out by a bully or a group of bullies against a victim!

Bullying can be verbal, physical, persecutory, and in most cases, it takes place in a school setting. However, new technologies have introduced another phenomenon that is much more insidious and invasive, which is translated into cyberbullying.

The Ministry of Education also defines cyberbullying as:

a set of aggressive and intentional actions, carried out by an individual or a group, using electronic tools (SMS, MMS, photos, videos, emails, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, phone calls), with the aim of causing harm to a peer who is incapable of defending themselves.

The differences between the two phenomena lie in the factor of time and the dimension in which the phenomenon manifests. "Classic" bullying is limited to the school context and takes place during the "school time" or, at most, during the journey to and from school. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, has no time or spatial limits, and often becomes a more intense form of persecution precisely because of the possibility of acting anonymously and in the absence of a real interpersonal relationship between the parties. In fact, the absence of an emotional response from the other person can lead to even more aggression and make the individual feel even more defenseless and tormented.

According to UNICEF, 246 million children and adolescents worldwide experience some form of bullying every year. In Italy, 20% of adolescents and children are victims of bullying or cyberbullying annually. However, girls in our country are much more susceptible to cyberbullying: these acts of violence affect 7.1% of girls compared to 4.6% of boys. UNICEF also estimates that globally, 1 in 3 students has experienced bullying between the ages of 13 and 15. The latest Italian data is a bit dated, as UNICEF reports the ISTAT data from 2014, but without a doubt, phenomena related to cyberbullying have increased in the last 7 years.

But going back to the 2014 data, 1 in 2 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17 has been subjected to an act of bullying, and 63.3% have reported witnessing mistreatment of some students by others.

The role of schools and parents in combating bullying and cyberbullying

The Ministry of Education has been committed for years to prevention and combating any form of oppression in schools, and in recent years has often updated guidelines for the prevention and elimination of bullying and cyberbullying. These guidelines are directed at all school operators (school principals, administrative staff, ATA staff, teachers, etc.) and all parents.

School operators are assigned the task of assessing interactions within social groups that form in the school environment and disclosing harmful or potentially harmful behavior. The Ministry of Education provides training modules and activities for all school operators and parents to combat these phenomena. The participation of boys and girls is also essential through the use of peer education activities, which involve connecting students or former students with current students.

The Ministry of Education recommends activating psychological counseling services or listening centers managed by specialized personnel, creating working groups to counter these phenomena, updating school regulations with procedures aimed at sanctioning behaviors, and developing teaching modules that address civic education and digital education to combat and prevent bullying and cyberbullying in the future.

We could define the role of school staff and parents in 3 verbs: educate, observe, and listen. It is essential that everyone is attentive and vigilant to these phenomena, identifying "pathological" attitudes that may arise in the school and non-school environment. Simply repressing cases does not help reduce the phenomenon in the long term. Targeted actions and education about the phenomenon are needed, directed at both students and parents and school staff.

Understanding the world of one's own children and students is essential to understand the dangers as well. The internet is objectively a place where all young people and adolescents live a good part of their lives; to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, it is always better to know and not demonize social media, apps, games, and the entire digital ecosystem. This attitude also allows for effective and easier communication between young people and "the world of adults."

The work is actually threefold: while it is essential to protect people who become victims of bullying and cyberbullying, it is equally important to educate bullies or cyberbullies not to repeat certain mistakes. In addition, the role of "outsiders" to the phenomenon should be encouraged, educating them not to remain silent and to help and support their peers in difficulty.

What can you do if you are a victim of bullying or cyberbullying? In addition to the data, definitions, and responsibilities of parents and school staff, it is important to turn to those who are victims of bullying or cyberbullying. If you are a victim of these phenomena, remember that there are many people ready to help you. Talk about your distress to a parent, a relative, a teacher, or any adult you trust. Do not be ashamed or afraid, they will help you face even the toughest situations; remember that they were young too and surely they can understand what you are going through and will know how to help you.

Remember that there are also associations that can help you. The "Telefono Azzurro" has a number (1.96.96) to report incidents of bullying and help you, your parents, and your teachers counter the phenomenon. In addition, there is an online chat with the same goal. If you want to access the chat or check the hours when you can call the "Telefono Azzurro," you can click here!

Remember that the police can also help you and are at the forefront of curbing these phenomena. Bullying and cyberbullying can also lead to criminally prosecutable offenses. Their help can be crucial.

There are other initiatives, mostly ministerial, aimed at preventing and eliminating these phenomena. We recommend the "Generazioni Connesse" portal and the portal of the Ministry of Equal Opportunities dedicated to the General Directorate for Students, Integration, and Participation.