The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) would like to tackle the scourge of cyberbullying that is taking place in society.
Cybersecurity experts said that parents need to take an active role in protecting the youth from cyberbullying.
In a virtual briefing on 30 April, the CSIR’s cybersecurity awareness programme mentioned that the aim of the programme is to educate and sensitise the public about cyber-related crimes and highlight steps that people can take to ensure that they do not become victims of cyberbullying.
Senior researcher Sipho Ngobeni said there are a number of people who still do not see the harm associated with it. “Fourteen-year-old Lufuno Mavhunga, who committed suicide allegedly after a video of her being grievously assaulted went viral, was an example of the harsh effects cyberbullying has. Everyone needs to get involved.
“Youth, parents, educators, counsellors, youth leaders, law enforcement, social media companies, and the community – is the key to dealing with this problem. Parents are often oblivious to their children’s behaviour online.”
Nic Humphris from security company Shield Secure said that cybersecurity is very important, especially in these times. “There are a few things that we can do with monitoring children’s social media activity. We do, however, need make people aware of the fact that when their child is not connected to the home Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi being controlled by the parents, then you can’t protect them fully.
“There are antiviruses which protect quite a bit but there are also devices and software sort of like a firewall.”
Humphris added that these devices and software allow parents to block anything from porn sites to dating sites.
Research from CSIR shows online bullying occurs on:
• Instagram accounts – 42 per cent
• Facebook accounts – 37 per cent
• Snapchat – 31 per cent
• WhatsApp –12 per cent
• YouTube – 10 per cent
• Twitter – 9 per cent
Expert, Rofhiwa Netshiya said that there is a need for public education about all forms of cyberbullying.
“We need to educate children that all forms of cyberbullying are wrong and can lead to serious discipline.”
