Option 2: Continue to reflect on the topics that we considered in class (including cyber-vigilantism/cyber-shaming, digital footprints, the right to have elements of our digital footprint be forgotten, etc.). Go where your interests and thoughts lead you!

For this weeks blog, I decided to continue on the topic of cyber-vigilantism and cyber-shaming. I found this topic to be extremely significant in today’s classroom. I find this issue being a major concern for students where black-mailing and shaming occurs.

The Toronto police website provide many definitions of what bullying is and among them cyber-bullying makes the list. They mention how sending mean messages, spreading rumors and providing embarrassing pictures are considered cyber-bullying. Of course in the real world, many students are effected by this. This news report provided an report about the presence of cyber bullying in Toronto’s schools. It mentions how about 8% of students say they have experienced some kind of cyber bullying. What this proves is that there needs to be some power in tackling the issue.

The image below provides the bullying type Saskatchewan students face:

It mentions an alarming rate of 2 in 3 students experiencing bullying with 29% being cyber bullying.

One major way to tackle this issue is through providing educational programs. Having students think twice about the apps they use and what can happen is necessary in today’s day in age. In order to provide such programs, funding is required to help promote this issue. Thankfully, there are some examples of such instances taking place. The video below provides information about a financial grant to tackle the issue of bullying and cyber bullying.

https://www.instagram.com/jilldunlop/reel/DCzpoGjNQIQ/

Essentially, this is a major problem in many schools and is causing much hindrance in students progression. Student mental health has risen due to this issue and the need for preventative strategies is essential.