Cyber-bullying expert Dr Barbara Spears from the University of South Australia has called for improved technology education and earlier targeting of mental health problems for children in Australian schools.
Dr Spears emphasised the increasing problem of cyberbullying however highlighted that banning technology from schools will not solve the problem. She believes instead that children must be taught to use technology appropriately, “We have to engage young people – ‘we have this powerful thing in my hand, how do I use this with some sense of cyber citizenship?'” She went on to say, “We have to teach people how to operate their relationships around this technology.”
Dr Spears, who recently headed up a government investigation into cyberbullying, also believes bullying limits young people’s capacity to learn, and suggested that reading and writing skills would improve if bullying can be effectively reduced.
From the Herald Sun, writer Tristan Boyd, editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
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