At Google, we believe that education is vital for combating cyber bullying and we're proud to support the SOSO campaign through YouTube. YouTube is a great platform for reaching teens and speaking to them in a medium they understand.
It was very impressed to see NAPCAN involve young people in all aspects of developing their campaign. Although we all have a responsibility to prevent and combat cyber bullying, the most powerful impact will come from teens themselves.
At today's event I sat on a panel chaired by TV presenter Jennifer Byrne and alongside Dr Toni Noble, senior lecturer in Education and Psychology at the Australian Catholic University, and three teenagers who starred in the campaign video Esra Isak, Isobel Wilson and Jettson Fawcett. Here are some of the insights into cyber bullying they shared:
Jettson:
Online people say things they don't mean. In person, you get reactions and facial experessions. Online you don't get that; you don't have to face them, you can say more extreme things - there are less consequences online but not for the other person.
Isobel:
Bullies pick on others to try to feel better about themselves. Sarcasm doesn't sound the same online. Once you write things down, the damage is done.
Esra Isik:
Don't be a keyboard hero! Stand up to bullied online!
My message for young people is that you're in control of your online experience. Don't put up with stuff which bothers you - flag inappropriate content if you find it on YouTube, delete comments which bother you on your videos or moderate comments before they go live. You can also disable comments altogether. Think about whether you want to be contacted and by who - you can block this feature altogether or limit to your friends. Keep personal videos private.
Check out our Safety Centre - we have lots of practical advice about being safe and making the most of your online experience.
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