I REFER to media reports about cyber-bullying, where youths and children use social- networking websites as a platform from which to launch attacks on peers.

The purpose of such sites is to facilitate networking between people, and hence should not be misused.

A survey carried out last month revealed that a quarter of cyber-bullying victims in Singapore are students.

This is truly cause for concern. Teachers and school counsellors should be alert and on the lookout for occurrences of cyber- bullying among their students.

Schools could start working with the authorities to help young people better appreciate the dangers lurking on the Internet.

The young should also be encouraged to share their experiences with cyber-bullying and develop methods to combat this online menace.

Furthermore, it is important for victims to realise that they have to speak up. By doing so, they are helping themselves. Last, but most importantly, parents play a crucial role in tackling the problem.

They should educate their children on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.

With more and more people having access to the Internet, my advice is to be wise, discerning and extra-cautious when online.

Mr Sebastian Tan

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