Students join campaign to stop cyber bullying [1]
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 - 22:52
A "Stop, Block, Tell" campaign which was launched last month aimed to raise awareness among students and stop cyber bullying, under a project initiated by telecommunications service provider Digicel Tonga, and Talitha Project, a Non-Government Organisation
Awards were given to schools who took part in their video competition.
Talitha Project Director Vanessa Heleta said today four schools competed in the stop cyber bullying one minute video competition that showed effects of cyber bullying on young people and why it is important to stop it.
She said students from Takuilau College, Tonga College, Ocean of Light and Acts Community School pledged zero tolerance of cyber bullying.
People have been using the internet, mobile, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Some of the common examples include starting rumours through instant messaging, name calling in chat rooms, insults through social media channels such as Facebook and posting patronizing pictures of someone else, among others.
"Cyber bullying is a 'silent killer' particularly on young people," said Vanessa. "Because it's hard to see the abuse as each young person's response to the bullying is unique, and in extreme cases, they resort to try to commit suicide. We have to educate young people to be aware not to be victims of online bullying."
She said if they are being bullied it is important that they talk to someone.
"We cannot be bystanders and let our youth suffer in silence. Everyone should get involved. We can teach young people that they can use the internet effectively, and we have to create a safe space for our young people," she said.
Digicel CEO, Ben Kealy said hosting a stop cyber bullying day is an effort to getting the community more aware of its implications on society.
"Our main objective was to stop cyber bullying and create awareness amongst our community with the focus to educate our children on a safer online experience."
He said cyber bullying isn’t a problem limited to specific countries and in the Pacific, it is becoming more common.
"Here in Tonga, as we continue to grow fast in our access to mobile and internet technology, cyber security and safety has become a key priority for Government and the Private Sector to ensure we do our part for a safer and secure online experience for all."
"This is an opportunity to share the educational drive with schools and although small, it has created some significant impact in getting cchools to talk about it and act upon it, he said.
Representatives from these schools were awarded prizes, which incldued 12-months free internet, free broadcasting of their videos on Digicel Play TV for each and $1000 cash donated by Digicel Tonga for each.