Project Update
Internet trolls. Impersonations and stolen identities. Hateful and abusive comments. Intimidation, manipulation, written violence and bullying… The new social media opens fantastic possibilities to socialise, but the lawlessness of the Internet, its potential for casual, breath-taking cruelty, and its capacity to cloak a bully’s identity all present slippery new challenges to this transitional generation of analogue parents, teachers and youth workers.
Online bullying can be more psychologically savage and damaging than schoolyard bullying. The Internet erases inhibitions; anonymity gives way to uninhibited attacks, hatred, and violence. Many young cyber bullies don’t believe they have had an impact on their victims.
During the 1,5 years duration of the project we aimed at mapping existing cases, events, understanding the different aspects of the phenomena. We encouraged the involvement of children, parents, teachers through:
- A EU conference on cyberbullying
- An awareness raising video available in 10 languages
- A virtual Big March against cyberbullying
- A free app available in the Google Play store
Despite the project’s official end, COFACE is planning to release an upgraded version of the app for Android and an iOS version in end October. In addition, a teacher’s manual will be made available to help teachers develop lesson plans on cyberbullying. Watch this space and don’t hesitate to contact us!
#DeleteCyberbullying 