Cyberbullying As Experienced By Grade VI Learners

Abstract

Introduction

Cyberbullying occurs when somebody utilizes social media to offend, hurt or humiliate others by posting and commenting stuff on the Internet. School teachers and counselors have obtained and reported cyberbullying incidents. Foreign and local studies revealed that it is associated with emotional and psychological issues. School-based interventions have been introduced but there are still acts of cyberbullying. Thus, this study sought ways to help DepEd's Vision and Mission in finding appropriate interventions to help serve its stakeholders and to promote a conducive learning environment for all the pupils.

Methods

This research is a case study under qualitative research. The scope of this study was Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School. Purposive sampling was used. Hence, the participants were 5 pupils who experienced cyberbullying, 5 parents of the pupils who have experienced cyberbullying, 5 teacher-advisers and 1 guidance counselor who have received reports of cyberbullying from their pupils. The interview was used in gathering the data. Thus, there were recordings and transcriptions. Coding and thematic approach were used to interpret the data. Every effort was carefully taken into consideration. Furthermore, written consents were sought before conducting interviews.

Results

Cyberbullying occurs in many forms. Cyberbullying negatively affects the pupils' performance, relationship, and behavior. Cyberbullying experiences cause the pupils to lose interest in studying, to think of cutting themselves, to bully other pupils and to isolate themselves from others. Parents, teacher-advisers and guidance counselors advise the pupils not to bully others and limit/prohibit the use of social media. Parents keep guiding their children in using social media after they have coped with their cyberbullying experiences. Collaboration among guidance counselors, teacher-advisers of the pupils, and parents take place to solve cyberbullying issues.

Discussion

Cyberbullying occurs in many forms and it negatively affects the pupils' performance, relationship, and behavior. Collaboration among guidance counselors, teacher-advisers and parents take place to solve these issues. Future researchers are recommended to conduct a wider scope of the study for more in-depth meanings and results. Guidance counselors should coordinate with the school administration to conduct anti-cyberbullying campaigns, seminars and cyber safe sessions, towards the school's Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) for better learning outcomes.