2. - Introduction
While technology opens doors to new connections, it has also
enabled the spread of toxic behaviors like cyberbullying that can
inflict lasting harm. In today's digital age, youth increasingly face
anguish not just from in-person bullying but also its online forms.
Cyberbullying involves the use of electronic communication tools,
such as social media or text messages, to deliberately target and
humiliate others (Willard, 2007). As both communication
technologies and their adoption among young people in the UAE
continue advancing rapidly, cyberbullying is emerging as a growing
menace endangering student mental health and well-being. This
paper examines the rising problem of cyberbullying faced by
students across educational institutions in the UAE. It analyzes the
psychological and social impacts cyberbullying can have on
victims as well as prevalent rates. Furthermore, this paper
proposes a multi-pronged approach combining cyberbullying
prevention programs in schools with national legal reforms to curb
online abuse. The overarching aim is to raise awareness of
cyberbullying's damaging effects and suggest coordinated
solutions to safeguard students in the digital era. In conclusion, by
examining cyberbullying's challenges and outlining comprehensive
policy responses, this paper seeks to mitigate the risks posed to
student welfare in UAE educational environments.
Body Paragraph 1 - Problem Analysis
Cyberbullying has unfortunately become highly prevalent among
students across educational institutions in the UAE. According to a
2019 cyber safety study by Symantec that surveyed over 2500
youth, an alarming 61% of respondents reported experiencing
some form of cyberbullying through social media platforms
(Symantec, 2019). The true extent of the issue may be even
greater considering underreporting due to social stigma or
3. reluctance to disclose victimization. Repeated cyber-victimization
has been consistently associated with elevated risks of developing
mental health problems like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem,
and in grave cases, suicidal ideation (Twyman et al., 2010; Hinduja
& Patchin, 2010).
This association between cyberbullying and poorer mental health
outcomes poses serious concerns, as depression is now
recognized as one of the leading causes of illness and disability
worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The
WHO estimates that over 300 million people globally suffer from
depression, highlighting its enormous personal and economic toll.
Furthermore, the anonymity afforded by online interactions has
made it easier for cyberbullies to target victims from a distance
without concern for accountability or repercussions for the harm
caused (Willard, 2007). Perpetrators can easily hide behind social
media profiles and pseudonyms, bypassing oversight that may be
present to curb in-person bullying in physical school settings.
Additionally, due to the inability to control digital content once
shared, the effects of cyberbullying often have further reach
compared to traditional bullying. Offensive posts, screenshots or
altered images spreading misinformation can be rapidly
disseminated online through shares and comments, exposing
victims to public ridicule, confusion and judgement from a much
broader audience than peers alone (Langos, 2012). The bullying
becomes difficult to escape as hurtful material continues
circulating online, with victims re-experiencing trauma each time it
surfaces even if physically distant from the original cyberbully.
Such persistent embarrassment and stress have been found to
severely undermine victims' self-image, confidence and
psychological wellbeing (Hinduja & Patchin, 2012).
Research has further linked cyber-victimization directly to poorer
school performance, increased absenteeism, challenges
concentrating in class, lower grades and higher risks of behavioral
issues (Hinduja & Patchin, 2012). Given the detrimental impacts on
4. mental health, social development and academic achievement, it is
evident that cyberbullying poses serious risks to overall student
welfare and success in the UAE if left unaddressed. Urgent and
coordinated remedies are thus needed to curb its concerning
prevalence rates affecting local youth.
Body Paragraph 2 - Solution 1
Given these concerns, schools have an obligation to enact
preventative measures. Implementing comprehensive anti-
cyberbullying programs in educational institutions can help curb
instances of online abuse (Hinduja & Patchin, 2017). Such
programs educate students on identifying different forms of
cyberbullying like impersonation, exclusion, outing, trickery and
harassment. They also give tools for constructively responding to
and reporting cyberbullying incidents according to Willard (2007).
Additionally, prevention modules teach the importance of
bystanders speaking up when witnessing virtual abuse rather than
being passive spectators.
One study found that a 12-week, classroom-based prevention and
intervention curriculum led to over a 50% reduction in cyberbullying
reports from participants (Hinduja & Patchin, 2017). Drawing from
this, schools in Dubai have started including cyber wellness
modules in their curricula to foster responsible digital citizenship
(Khouri, 2019). These modules provide age-appropriate guidance
on topics like establishing online safety routines, managing digital
footprints, practice of empathy online, and upholding community
values in virtual spaces. When implemented comprehensively,
such programs show promise for mitigating cyberbullying in
educational environments.
Body Paragraph 3 - Solution 2
In conjunction with prevention efforts, legislation and strict
5. enforcement against cyberbullying is also needed (Willard, 2007).
The UAE has taken the commendable step of enacting a new
cybercrime law that specifically criminalizes online harassment
and bullying (Bajaj & Pande, 2018). Punitive action sends the
message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Studies show
establishing clear legal consequences deters the majority of
cyberbullies from continuing to target victims (Willard, 2007).
Moreover, authorities must train relevant stakeholders including
educators, parents and students themselves about cyberbullying
laws and available reporting avenues. Increased awareness
coupled with enforcement can encourage speaking out against
witnessed virtual abuse. With proper support systems, technology
policies and consequences in place, cyberbullying prevalence may
be reduced over time.
- Conclusion
In closing, cyberbullying represents a rising threat to student
welfare in the UAE that requires attention. While technology brings
benefits, its misuse for online harassment significantly impacts
well-being particularly for developing youth. Implementing targeted
educational programs and establishing strict, publicized
cyberbullying laws with enforcement are pragmatic solutions
supported by research. Together, prevention and policy measures
may help curb this growing menace and allow students to reap
technology's advantages safely. With diligence from all community
members, cyberbullying rates in the nation can be diminished.
- References
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