How online learning impacted bullying in school
The move to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic changed education in many ways. One significant change was the decrease in bullying. Many parents whose children have experienced bullying have been searching for ways to stop bullying in school. With the rise of online schooling, traditional bullying, including physical and verbal aggression, became less common. In this article, we will explore how online education in the UK has impacted bullying in school.
The common definition of bullying in school
The most common definition of bullying in school can be explained in one sentence: “Bullying in school is intentional, repeated, and harmful behaviour by one or more students directed at another student”.
The cause of bullying in school often involves an imbalance of power, where the bully has more physical, social, or emotional strength over the victim. Examples of bullying in school can take different forms, including:
- Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, tripping, or other types of physical aggression
- Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, threats, or making inappropriate comments
- Social bullying (relational): Excluding someone from groups, spreading rumours, or encouraging others to ignore or isolate the victim
And nowadays, with the rise of online activities, from social media to online schooling, another form of bullying has emerged, called cyberbullying.
- Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms like social media, messaging apps, or gaming chats to send hurtful messages, spread rumours, or share embarrassing content.
Bullying negatively affects the victim’s mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance, and can also harm bystanders who witness it. Online schools in UK often have policies regarding how to stop bullying in school; promoting a safer and more inclusive environment for all students from around the world.
Bullying in schools today
Although schools should be safe and welcoming environments, bullying in school continues to be a significant issue affecting many young people in traditional schools. Statistics show that one in five students (20.2%) report being bullied. Of those who have been bullied, 13% were mocked, called names, or insulted; 13% were the subject of rumours; 5% were pushed, shoved, tripped, or spat on; and 5% were deliberately excluded from activities.
Online schools have played a significant role in reducing this kind of bullying. But what is online school and how does it work? These institutions provide students with a safer space to focus on their studies without the fear of physical or verbal abuse by offering a virtual learning environment.
Effects of bullying in school
The effects of bullying can be profound and long-lasting, impacting students emotionally, socially, academically, and even physically. Look at the table we have provided for you on effects of bullying in school:
| Category | Effects |
| Emotional & Mental Health | – Low self-esteem – Anxiety and depression – Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Loneliness and isolation |
| Social | – Difficulty trusting others – Social withdrawal – Aggressive behaviour |
| Academic | – Decline in academic performance – School avoidance – Loss of interest in education |
| Physical | – Stress-related health issues (headaches, stomachaches) – Sleep problems – Physical injuries |
| Long-Term | – Mental health challenges in adulthood (depression & anxiety) – Difficulty in career and relationships – Suicidal thoughts or actions |
Now instead of searching essay about bullying in school to understand how bullying can affect children, this table summarises these effects in a way that’s easy to comprehend.
The role of online education in less bullying in school
Online education has played a crucial role to prevent bullying in school. By moving the learning environment to a virtual space, it eliminates the direct interactions that often lead to physical, verbal, or social bullying.
Students no longer have to navigate the traditional schoolyard, where bullying most commonly occur in person. The online setting also provides a sense of anonymity, which can reduce the fear of being targeted based on race, appearance, social status, or other factors that contribute to bullying.
Getting rid of school bullies is just one of the many benefits of online learning and also one of the main reasons for parents to take their children out of traditional schools and study online.
The prevention of bullying in online schools
Yes. Bullying can still occur in online classrooms, but it is not at all comparable to the statistics of bullying in traditional schools.It often takes a different form.
While the physical aspect of bullying in school is eliminated, online platforms can still be misused to target and harm others through cyberbullying. However, in virtual learning environments that use specific teaching platforms for students, cyberbullying is unlikely to occur during online classes.
This is because online school safeguarding is a must have for online schools. So, teachers typically oversee and control the class and any interactions between students, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment.
The possibility of bullying in school for online students
The possibilities of bullying in school for online students are significantly reduced compared to those attending traditional in-person schools. However, there are still some scenarios where bullying might occur, particularly through digital means such as:
- Cyberbullying Outside Class Hours: Online students may still face cyberbullying on social media platforms, group chats, or other online forums where interactions take place outside the controlled environment of their virtual classrooms.
- Gaming or Online Communities: Online students who participate in gaming or other online communities may encounter bullying in those spaces, even if it’s unrelated to their schooling.
- Inadequate Monitoring During Classes: If an online learning platform doesn’t have proper controls or if teachers don’t actively monitor class discussions, there could still be instances of hurtful comments or exclusion within the classroom environment.
- Cross-Platform Bullying: If online students maintain social connections with peers from traditional schools, they may still face bullying through those connections, whether online or during in-person encounters.
While the risks are lower in a well-managed online school, ensuring students are educated about online safety and responsible digital behaviour is crucial to reducing the likelihood of bullying in school. Schools and parents can also play a vital role by fostering open communication and providing tools for reporting bullying incidents.
How parents can help children with bullying in online schools
Parents play a crucial role in preventing and addressing bullying in online schools. Their involvement is vital in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for their children, even in virtual learning settings. Here’s how a parent can protect their child from bullying in school:
Educating and Guiding Children
- Teach Online Etiquette: Parents should educate their children about appropriate online behaviour, including respect for others and responsible communication.
- Discuss Cyberbullying: Talk openly about what cyberbullying is, how it happens, and why it’s harmful to both the victim and the bully.
- Encourage Empathy: Help children understand the impact of their words and actions on others and how bullying in school grows from no being empathetic.
Monitoring Online Activities
- Supervise Digital Use: Monitor the platforms and tools your child uses for school and social interactions to ensure they are engaging appropriately.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules around screen time and the use of social media to minimise opportunities for bullying or exposure to harmful content.
- Check Communication: Be aware of group chats, emails, or forums where bullying might occur.
Creating Open Communication
- Encourage Reporting: Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they experience or witness bullying in school.
- Be Approachable: Foster an environment where your child feels safe discussing sensitive issues without fear of judgement or punishment.
- Talk Regularly: Regularly check in with your child about their online classes, relationships with peers, and overall experiences.
Taking Action
- Work with Teachers and Schools: Collaborate with online educators to address bullying issues and understand the school’s policies on cyberbullying.
- Use Reporting Tools: Guide your child on how to use the reporting systems available on the school’s platform to report any bullying incidents.
- Advocate for Support: If necessary, seek professional help or counselling for your child to address the emotional effects of bullying in school.
Being a Role Model
- Model Positive Behaviour: Demonstrate kindness, respect, and responsible online conduct in your own interactions.
- Show Empathy: Teach by example how to handle conflicts or disagreements constructively.
By staying actively involved, parents can help prevent bullying in online schools and support their children in navigating the digital world with confidence and resilience. It’s important to note that the effect of online school on mental health is to be positive and help children evolve in a safer environment.
The ultimate solution to stop bullying in school
The changes brought to us by online learning have made a lasting impact on education. While new challenges in how to tackle bullying in school emerged, there were also opportunities to rethink old ways of dealing with it. By applying these lessons, schools can create safer spaces for all students, whether they are learning online or in person. Bullying is a complex issue, but at iBOS, one of the safest online schools in the UK, the combined efforts of students, parents, and teachers offer hope for a kinder and more compassionate future in education.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of bullying in schools?
Bullying can take various forms, including physical bullying (hitting, pushing), verbal bullying (name-calling, insults), social bullying (excluding others, spreading rumours), and cyberbullying (harassment online through social media or messaging).
2. How can parents prevent bullying in online schools?
Parents can prevent bullying in online schools by monitoring their child’s online interactions, setting clear boundaries, educating them about responsible online behaviour, and maintaining open communication to encourage reporting any bullying incidents.
3. What should a student do if they are being bullied in school?
If a student is being bullied, they should speak to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or parent, and report the bullying. It’s important to document any incidents and use school or online platform reporting tools to address the issue.
