As technology has evolved in recent years, so have the methods bullies use to target their victims online.
With cyber-bullying on the rise among teenagers, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission decided to observe this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day under the theme “Don’t be Mean Behind the Screen.”
On Friday, the TRC hosted about 300 secondary students from across the Virgin Islands at a forum on how to spot and stop cyber-bullying.
The full-day event — which featured guest speakers and prize giveaways — was held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Stephanie Fredrick, associate director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo in New York.
“I am not here to tell you that we need to limit our media use and media use is bad,” Dr. Fredrick told the students. “Social media use is a lot of fun.”
She illustrated her point by explaining how social media helped people stay connected during the Covid-19 pandemic. But online activity also carries serious risks, she said.
Then she tackled the topic of the day, defining various forms of cyber-bullying and offering strategies for handling it.
Other speakers
School counsellors including Jacob Edwards and Keriann Malone offered similar tips, and Director of Public Prosecutions Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit explained that the legal penalties for online bullying and other cybercrimes can include high fines and prison time.
Another speaker, social media influencer and artist Brent Hoyte, hosted a question-and-answer segment.
“Has anyone ever been cyber-bullied before?” he asked.
Several students raised their hands, and one of them recounted an incident she said occurred the previous week.
“I was playing a chess game online,” she explained as she searched for the screenshot in her phone. “I’m not the best at chess.”
Her online opponent criticised her with unkind words, she said, adding that she responded by blocking them and ending the game.
Gov’t officials
Government ministers also spoke at the event.
Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said he was pleased to see so many attendees sporting colourful shirts adorned with the theme.
“I am happy that the room is filled with young people, because only young people will be able to change what has become a culture here in the BVI,” he said.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer noted that elected officials also experience cyber-bullying at times.
“We have all been the topic of memes and mean comments,” Mr. Rymer said.
Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro commended the TRC for organising the event.
“It is really an exciting day to see the fulfillment of cross-ministry collaboration,” she said.