Social networking at its worst

Brian Donaldson • Published 28 Jan 2010 09:41 0 Comments

It appears that the good old fashioned schoolyard fight of decades ago was a primitive affair by modern standards. Then, a fight between two protagonists would have attracted a small crowd of eager pupils supporting their own man from the sidelines. But once it was over, that was it. It was definitely over.

Now, however, there is a disturbing trend towards the latest craze in the form of cyber-bullying. As our main story reveals this week, the police have been called in to investigate videos on the internet of schoolchildren in Fermanagh who appear fighting.

The problem is that this is being actively passed around the internet social chat sites, such as Facebook and Bebo with thousands of computer users obviously eager to watch the film clips and then accompanying them by often derogatory and intimidating comments.

There's no hiding place either from those involved as the boys could be identified in their school uniforms.

It's not only the police who are appalled by this type of bullying and intimidation but the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People who has urged the schools, parents and carers to work with the relevant authorities to help stop this activity.

It's another example of the abuse of some of the internet networking sites which are useful for young people and others to keep in touch.

The fights take part in broad daylight, often close to busy thoroughfares such as around the Bus Station but bystanders appear powerless to stop them. The ages of those involved is also worrying as they appear quite young.

It's a further example of the lack of parental control and the failure of society to encourage young people to do something useful with their lives once outside the home and school. Schools themselves will be deeply disturbed at the viewing.

Tweet

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 28 Jan 10

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

You must be logged in to post. If you have not registered with us, please do so now.

Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users do not have to complete word verification once logged in and can also take part in competitions and other registered user only features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.