The advance of technology has transformed the way we communicate, but it has also opened the door to risks such as cyberbullying. Children and adolescents spend much of their time on the internet and social networks, where they can be exposed to offensive comments, threats or bullying that affect their emotional and psychological well-being. According to studies by the Spanish Data Protection Agency, 32% of adolescents have experienced some form of online bullying. This highlights the urgency of educating in the safe and responsible use of technology from an early age.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF CYBERBULLYING AND WHY DO WE NEED TO ACT NOW?
Cyberbullying not only affects children’s self-esteem, but can also lead to more serious problems such as anxiety, depression or social isolation. In addition, many parents are unaware of the extent of the problem until it is too late.
Digital security experts warn that setting clear limits and rules on the use of devices is essential to prevent such situations. Without proper digital education, children may share personal information without being aware of the risks, or not know how to deal with online bullying.
KEY TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
At Casvi Villaviciosa we are committed to comprehensive digital training for our students and their families. Here are some essential keys to preventing cyberbullying:
1. SAFE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS
- Teach children to properly configure the privacy settings for their social media profiles.
- Explain to them the importance of not sharing personal information, addresses or compromising photos.
- Encourage responsible use of comments and posts, reminding them that respect is key in the digital world.
2. HEALTHY DEVICE USE NORMS AND LIMITS
- Establish schedules and times of use to avoid over-dependence on screens.
- Use parental control tools to monitor the content they consume.
- Encourage activities outside the digital environment, such as sport or reading, to balance their leisure time.
3. DIGITAL EDUCATION AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL
- Talk openly about the risks of the internet and the importance of asking for help in uncomfortable situations.
- Check with your family which platforms and apps are safe.
- Participate in workshops and talks on digital security to stay informed about new threats and ways to prevent them.
“You are not under anyone’s control. You are nobody’s.”
CASVI VILLAVICIOSA, A BENCHMARK IN DIGITAL EDUCATION
At Casvi Villaviciosa we are committed to the formation of responsible digital citizens. Training that is integrated into the school routine. But not only that. Various activities are also carried out to combat cyberbullying. For example, just a few days ago our secondary school students participated in the talk given by the Villaviciosa de Odón Local Police on online security and responsibility. In it, they learned to protect their digital identity and act against cyberbullying.
We also have the collaboration of experts such as Guillermo Cánovas, a leading expert in cybersecurity and protection of minors on the Internet. He does so as director of the Observatory for the Promotion of Healthy Use of Technology (EducaLIKE). His lectures for students and parents of all levels of our school have reinforced awareness of digital risks and strategies to deal with them.
We must not forget the work of our Guidance Department, which, in collaboration with teachers, works to offer students and their families tools that allow them to detect and combat cyberbullying.
