Children need to understand what they are doing with nasty messages
Ms Schläpfer, you offer counselling and training on the subject of bullying and cyberbullying. What is the difference?
Cyberbullying is more anonymous, which lowers the inhibition threshold. In classic bullying, I can see what my actions trigger in the other person and am therefore more empathetic. This mechanism is missing behind the screen. Cyberbullying also makes it possible to spread hate messages worldwide around the clock. The victim cannot escape it - neither at home nor by changing schools.
Sometimes young people and children send death threats via WhatsApp. When are they liable to prosecution?
Threats are a criminal offence under Swiss criminal law - for example a death threat or incitement to suicide. Many children and young people are not aware of how early they are moving into criminal territory. They sometimes use coarse language in digital media. Expressions such as «hey dude» or «you bitch» are often meant in a friendly way. If they are used as insults, we are already in the criminal area. Young people often think they are safe because they are underage. In reality, however, they are of criminal age from the age of ten and are subject to the
subject to the Juvenile Penal Code.
What is the best course of action for parents if their child is the victim of cyberbullying?
Some children say nothing for fear that their parents might overreact - for example, by talking to the perpetrator's parents or to the perpetrator themselves. This fuels the bullying dynamic even more. The first point of contact is usually the teacher. Sometimes it is enough for them to inform the class about the criminal law. In the case of threats and slander, however, I would advise calling the police. Perhaps a counselling session with the youth service will suffice for the time being. Anyone who then decides to press charges must do so within three months. Evidence can be secured with printscreens, for example. However, what is considered sexting, such as nude photos or pornography, must not be secured, otherwise you make yourself liable to prosecution.
Is the teacher responsible for cyberbullying? WhatsApp messages are also sent outside of school.
Cyberbullying usually comes from classmates. It is the teacher who works with them on a daily basis. They are the only ones who can stop the bullying - regardless of whether the communication takes place on a mobile phone or in the corridor. The no-blame approach is popular here: instead of looking for guilty parties, a selected group of pupils works out a solution to make amends(the Swiss parents' magazine Fritz+Fränzi reported on this in its September 2016 issue). Many teachers still work with blame and sanctions. However, this does not make a child socially competent.
Young people can break down as a result. Their performance drops, as does their self-esteem.
Young people can break down as a result. Their performance drops, as does their self-esteem. Some become depressed or even suicidal. The most important thing for victims of bullying is: never stay alone! The child should dare to involve the parents. The Dargebotene Hand or Pro Juventute are also places to turn to. The child also urgently needs psychological support.
How can parents protect their children from cyberbullying?
Some parents ban WhatsApp and other platforms. Although this reduces the risk of bullying, it does not prevent it. Bullies still communicate with each other. Switching off the mobile phone doesn't help either. As soon as the child switches their mobile phone back on, they see the messages. Sometimes parents advise their children to fight back, perhaps even with physical violence. I strongly advise against this. If they get caught, they are victims twice over. The best protection is education. Children need to be aware of what they are doing.
