Understanding and addressing cyberbullying

Right, second from top: Tracey Jan presenting her talk

A talk titled “Staying safe online: understanding and addressing cyberbullying” was organised by UTAR Sungai Long Campus Department of Student Affairs, Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing on 26 June 2023 through Microsoft Teams. The talk saw a total of 95 participants consisting of students and staff.

The speaker of the talk was Tracey Jan, the head of compliance of WOWSHOP. The talk aimed to raise awareness of cyberbullying, increase interest and motivation towards activities that promote preventive character and develop communication skills to reduce the frequency and extent of online aggression. It also aimed to educate participants on how to behave properly online and prevent bullying or react when it happens.

Tracey Jan began by explaining the different types of cyberbullying. She said, “According to the report presented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Malaysia was ranked second in Asia in 2020 for cyberbullying among youths and the popular usage of social media platforms made it a breeding ground for cyberbullying and toxic behaviour.”

Moreover, Tracey Jan described the effects of cyberbullying using real cases as examples. She also provided the audience with some safety tips to avoid cyberbullies. She explained, “Government agencies, non-governmental organisations, education and private sectors can implement strategies such as raising public awareness through education and social norms to eradicate cyberbullying in Malaysia.”

The talk ended with a Q&A session. Some participants also took the opportunity to share their experiences with cyberbullies.

Tracey Jan explaining the different types of cyberbullying

Tracey Jan explaining the effects of cyberbullying