On the upcoming May 2nd, International Day Against School Bullying is observed. From SPC, the Spanish technology company specializing in the development of consumer electronics products, a decalogue with useful advice has been created so that the smartphone, the device most used by young people, becomes an ally in detecting and stopping bullying behaviors against minors.
Cyberbullying is a threat to our minors that technology itself can help solve. In this regard, from SPC, the Spanish technology company specializing in the development of consumer electronics products, a decalogue with tips to prevent bullying and cyberbullying has been created thanks to the smartphone and proper guidance from parents and teachers. The goal: for the minor to feel comfortable on social networks and know how to recognize potential threats from misuse in order to avoid them.
I - The importance of protecting personal data
Popular social networks among young people, such as Instagram and TikTok, are very appealing to them, so they may be encouraged to share their personal data on these platforms with strangers. Fortunately, as parents, through the parental control options on the smartphone or via third-party apps, we can restrict access to certain websites, manage their contact lists, or configure the privacy and security settings of these social networks. In extreme cases, we can even report from the smartphone itself if we detect a violation of privacy rights when someone has shared compromising information about the minor.
II - Netiquette: education on social networks
The term netiquette refers to rules of courtesy and behavior on the internet and social networks. These guidelines facilitate cordiality and interaction among users. For young people, it is advisable to guide them in following these rules: they should adopt good manners, respect for other users, and politeness in all their communications, and protect both their own privacy and that of others.
III - Responsible use of the smartphone
Properly understood and used, the smartphone is the best ally to detect and combat bullying and cyberbullying situations. However, minors should be accompanied by an adult while using it, especially at the beginning, to receive advice on how to use it responsibly. In this way, with the help of apps, codes of conduct, and clearly defined usage guidelines, the mobile phone can become a tool to prevent abuse rather than a means to receive it (through messages, calls, social media posts, etc.)...
IV – Avoid sharing personal information and passwords
On social networks, information has no barriers. Even if you delete a comment, another user may have captured and shared it on the same social network or through a messaging app. A basic rule is that account and social profile passwords should only be known by the minor and, at most, their parents if decided within the family. They should not be shared with anyone else.
V - Images, videos of others, and conversations with other people are private
If a minor decides to tag another in a social media post or shares images or a video involving another user, they must first ask for permission to post it on social networks and instant messaging services. Tags, when sharing content, should be used to notify something kind; never to insult or humiliate the tagged person. One must always be very cautious when showing one’s own or others’ privacy, whether photos, videos, or private conversations with third parties, and make sure that the person agrees with the publication.
VI - A stranger is also a stranger on social networks
When accessing social networks, minors may be surprised by the large number of follow and friend requests they receive and may incorrectly interpret them as a sign of popularity. This can be a gap for strangers with bad intentions seeking access to their information. In this regard, the minor should be aware that they can ignore, cancel, or put friend requests on hold, just as they should not get upset if their own friend requests are not accepted.
VII - How to detect hoaxes
Adults already know that the internet and especially social networks are an ideal tool for those spreading hoaxes and fake news to cause trouble. This is something minors are unaware of and need to be trained to detect these rumors by asking themselves: “Is it well written? Where does the information come from? Is it reliable? Have I seen it published elsewhere?” If the minor has the slightest suspicion, they should avoid sharing that information and even report it to the social network where it appears, as well as inform their parents or trusted adults.
VIII - When to use pseudonyms
Ideally, minors should adopt protected identities using pseudonyms (or nicknames) on social networks that cannot be linked to them. That is, to protect their own image, these pseudonyms should not be traceable to their real name, place of origin, date of birth… nor reveal any data that could identify them. Most social networks allow the use of nicknames, so it is advisable to use them to avoid problems. What they cannot do is use these pseudonyms to, hiding behind anonymity, attack other acquaintances, a behavior that guardians should monitor.
IX - Tools and apps to combat cyberbullying
One of the great advantages of mobile phones is that they offer endless possibilities through the installation of the most versatile applications. Regarding school bullying, there are many tools available to detect and fight it: parental control software; apps to keep constant contact between schools, parents, students, and teachers; systems that alert adults to undesirable situations (monitoring suspicious contacts, warnings about inappropriate content…); settings to remove offensive comments on the most popular apps, etc.
X - And in case of doubt... turn to parents or guardians
On social networks, as in life, experience counts. A minor should always have an adult as a reference in case of doubt about any aspect of their online activity. Therefore, it is advisable to encourage them that if a conflict arises, they should turn to an adult to resolve it. This transparency, and knowing that their parents and/or teachers are available, will lead them to act with greater awareness and freedom, and will spare them unnecessary stress in case of problems with other users.
