Telenor Group in its study yesterday revealed that 49% of school students in Bangladesh fall victim to bullying either online or offline.
The victims also hit back and commit the same act of bullying others online, said the report.
To understand online behaviours better, Telenor Group yesterday released the results of its Safe Internet study, which tested 1,896 Bangladeshi students dig out their internet safety knowledge.
The students surveyed were 12 to 18 years of age from key cities of the country.
The report said 60% of pupils responded that they feel capable of resolving such issues either alone or by consulting their parents and teachers.
With students encountering cyberbullying and online peer pressure relatively frequently, the respondents were asked how they would tackle the issues.
The Telenor’s Safe Internet study analysed the school students’ responses to various internet-related threats. The analysis helped understand the factors influencing behaviour patterns and develop solutions towards making the web a safer environment.
Meanwhile, Grameenphone celebrated Safer Internet Day yesterday with an Internet Safety awareness session at HURDCO International School in Bashundhara Residential Area.
“As a leader in mobile telecommunications, Telenor is dedicated to increasing internet safety for all with a particular emphasis on young students,” said Ola Jo Tandre, Head of Social Responsibility, Telenor Group.
“Telenor hopes the findings from this country-specific study will emphasise the importance of positive parent and teacher guidance for children using the internet as well as inspire increased digital resilience through regular conversations and advice to their children,” said Tandre.
Cyberbullying
The study also reviewed the state of cyberbullying, one of the more heavily discussed topics, and often one of the biggest concerns for parents in regards to children accessing the internet.
Many children do not understand the serious effect online words may have on their peers. In fact, a 2014 study in Malaysia revealed two-thirds of children feel that sending offensive SMS, pretending to be someone else online or posting inappropriate photos do not amount to cyberbullying.
In 2009, Telenor Norway created a national programme designed to teach children, teachers and parents how to prevent cyberbullying. The programme helped prove that education is key to reducing cyberbullying, as three out of every four children who took part in the initiative stated that they were now equipped with the knowledge to avoid bullying online.
Dealing with a negative experience
By comparison, 7% more students in Malaysia felt equipped to deal with negative experiences online. Although the difference is minuscule, this could be due to consistent efforts to increase internet safety awareness among Malaysian school students.
Lesser risks
Of the new risks associated with access to internet, including websites promoting drugs, weapons, self-harm, suicide and hate, school pupils in general felt that these pose little threat. Most students indicated that they avoid these types of sites.
The study also revealed that 61% of the students surveyed in Bangladesh said they would not send explicit messages, also known as ‘sexting’.
Help from parents and schools
This inaugural country-wide study also demonstrated that less than half of the school students surveyed chose to confide in parents and teachers when faced with online issues that they do not know how to solve alone.
Only 38% of the surveyed pupils in Bangladesh said they were likely to approach their parents, in comparison to 55% of school pupils in Thailand.
By frequently consulting with parents, students can better navigate the challenges of interactions online.
