Private groups on Instagram and Snapchat are hosting disturbing videos showing children from Canberra schools involved in fights and brutal bashings, and parents say the effects for the victims can be long-lasting.
This form of cyberbullying begins with physical and verbal violence, but its impact is also felt online.Andrew Campbell, a cyber psychologist and mental health expert at the University of Sydney, said the videos were a"dreadful" but little-understood escalation of cyberbullying.
He said the perpetrators have displayed little empathy for the victims, partly due to their young age, but also because the content had been used to boost their online profiles. "It is extremely disappointing to see videos of this nature circulating on social media with what appears to be little regard for the wellbeing of those involved. We are aware these kinds of incidents occur from time to time," the statement said.
"Because of this, our community needs to support the conversation being had with students in schools. We all need to support young people to make good choices in their relationships and about the use of social media."Nationally, the office of the eSafety Commissioner operates a complaints scheme for Australian children under the age of 18 who are targets of serious cyberbullying. It also has legislated powers to issue civil penalties to social media providers.
In the case of Alannah and her son, she chose to report the incident even though her son feared it might lead to further bullying.
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