Cyberbullying more harmful than other forms, says web safety expert

PETALING JAYA: CyberSecurity Malaysia has commended the Education Ministry for publishing guidelines on social media etiquette for schools at a time when cyberbullying is widespread.

Its CEO Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said such guidelines would serve as a form of reference, guidance and advice for students as well as teachers.

He said cyberbullying was a serious matter, especially when it involved threatening and hurtful messages as well as public humiliation of victims.

“Cyberbullying can be more harmful than other types of bullying because the perpetrator can remain anonymous and bully the victim anytime and from anywhere.

“This is traumatising for the victim, who could develop problems such as depression, anxiety, truancy, poor academic performance, and feelings of fear and mistrust towards others,” he explained.

The Star reported yesterday that Education director-general Tan Sri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof, in announcing new ministry guidelines on social media etiquette for teachers and students, said there would be zero tolerance for cyberbullying.

Dr Amirudin said it was one of CyberSecurity Malaysia’s priorities to put an end to cyberbullying and get help for its victims.

The agency received 379 reports of cyberharassment, which also includes cyberbullying, between January and June this year.

Yayasan Generasi Gemilang (GG), a foundation that helps children and families in underprivileged communities, said the guidelines are a step in the right direction for schools.

Its research showed that one out of four Malaysian children have experienced cyberbullying.

“Raising awareness and providing guidance as early as possible will help create an online culture that is positive and safer for all,” GG director of services Nick Foong said.

“What’s more fundamental is also instilling values in our next generation to help them make positive choices regarding Internet and social media use.”

In 2012, Microsoft Corp commissioned research to study the pervasiveness of cyberbullying in 25 countries, including Malaysia.

This included a survey of more than 7,600 children aged eight to 17 to study online behaviour among youths.

Malaysia was ranked 17th highest in cyberbullying, while Singapore had the second highest rate of cyberbullying, after China.

Other countries that took part were Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and the United States.