Purpose:
The article “Criminal Policy on Cyberbullying of Children in Indonesia ” clearly shows that cyberbullying is a detrimental issue to children worldwide. To the social sciences, the article helps show how, through relativism, the increase of modern technology has facilitated an environment that makes children more vulnerable to criminals. The article describes this as “Negative Technology” (Frensh et al.). Technology benefits children in multiple ways, specifically in academics and communication. However, the negative use of technology, that is, technology being used to carry out crimes, has a significant negative impact on society.
Theory and research methods:
The study was performed to “Determine the impact of criminal policy on cyberbullying in Indonesia.” (Frensh et al.) and also show the negative effects that cyberbullying has on children. The study aimed to achieve this through Field research by interviewing 20 people. 10 of the people interviewed were officials of the criminal justice department, and 10 were officials of the cyberbullying department. This was a traditional field study.
Data and Analysis:
According to the study, 56% of the world’s population uses technology, with 142.8 million users accessing the internet through mobile devices. The study also points out that social media is widely used for cyberbullying. 42% of incidents occur on Instagram, while 37% occur on Facebook. With social media being used more widely among children, it creates many opportunities for children to be bullied. Children may use social media to feel secure among their peers; according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this can satisfy their psychological “safety needs,” making them feel secure among friends, though this may be counterintuitive as it allows space for cyberbullying to occur.
Government and families must work in tandem to protect children. The article points out that parents hold responsibility for educating their children on the dangers they face online and how this is a crucial step in ensuring their protection. Many parents do not monitor their children’s online activity closely enough; therefore, they may not know that their child is a victim. Children may be targeted not only because they are children, but this can also take place due to race, religion, and other marginalized groups. The article emphasizes that parents need to communicate to their children the importance of reporting such acts of cyberbullying as well as morality around the use of technology. “if the communication gap between children and parents is closed, it will be easier for children to share all pertinent information with their parents and resolve the primary issues associated with cyberbullying.” (Frensh et al.) Victim precipitation refers to understanding how children become victims, which may be due to a lack of communication between families. Still, it’s important not to place blame on the families should their child become a victim of cyberbullying. According to those interviewed, only 16% believe children are to blame. The government is responsible for educating children and the public on morality and emphasizes that cybercrimes should be reported to authorities.
Conclusion:
Data suggest that laws against cyberbullying do not deter criminals as expected. The most crucial piece of protection for children is communication between children and their parents. According to the people interviewed, 89% believe that cyberbullying is increasing, and 87% believe that the use of technology, like social media, is responsible. On the same note, only 33% believe legislation is effective. Responsibility for preventing cyberbullying is an effort that must be achieved by all parties, including the government, parents, society, and the makers of technology.
Works Cited
Frensh, Wenggedes, et al. “Criminal Policy on Cyberbullying of Children in Indonesia.” International Journal of Cyber Criminology, vol. 15, no. 2, cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/16/7.
Link to article: