Cyberbullies Use Modern Technology to Harass Victims
Years ago, bullies were often identified as people who threaten or intimidate others with their physical size and power. However, bullies these days seem to find new avenues to bully other people and this includes using psychological violence, usually through group chat rooms, to harass their victims online. Because of this, schools find it hard to address and respond to the problem.
Based on an article on the website of Korea JoongAng Daily, reported school violence has decreased over the past five years - from an estimated 28,000 in 2012 to almost 21,400 last year. The figures are based on the Ministry of Education report submitted to Rep. Yeom Dong Yeol of the Saenuri Party.
Aside from this, the percentage of theft or threats also saw a decline in the past years. It was 8.8 percent in 2012, 6.3 percent in 2013, 4 percent in 2014, and 2.8 in 2015. Incidents of peer pressure are also lower, from 4.3 percent to 2.6 percent.
Even so, more and more students are dealing with other types of violence that are not easily seen or identified. Incidences of cyberbullying went up from 31. percent in 2012 to 6.8 percent last year. Insult and defamation also increased, posting a 4.6 percent in 2012 to 7.4 percent in 2015. School violence has also circulated to online communities because of the widespread use of smartphones.
Although cases of cyber bullying are increasing, the schools' attitudes towards these kinds of incidents are still apathetic, and this indicates that this problem might still continue and even get worse without implementing proper actions to solve it.
The percentage of written apologies increased from 21.1 percent four years ago to 29.2 percent last year. The proportion of prohibitions on threats or contact grew from 11.1 percent in 2012 to 17.3 percent a year ago. On the other hand, suspension, class transfers, and school transfers went lower.
Rep. Yeom stated, "It seems like schools do not take much action regarding the issue. It is imperative that we come up with practical measures to punish and educate bullies."
