Investigating bullying via the mobile web in Cape Town schools

Abstract

Active mobile users and mobile web adoption in South Africa are increasing, with these increases mobile phone bullying, also widely known as " cyber-bullying ", seems to be on the rise and has become a major concern in schools. Technology provides several benefits to young people, but it also has its drawbacks, as it can be used for harm not only by some adults but also amongst youth. Victims of this horrific act are usually school learners. There has been evidence of victims suffering negative consequences both socially and academically. The government has implemented a number of Anti-bullying campaigns around bullying in schools, yet bullying is still increasing. School learners today have access to mobile phones and the internet. Using popular social networks such as Facebook and mobile web applications e.g. Mxit, The Grid; the communities are able to communicate effectively and efficiently. Even though policies of social networking Web sites describe cyber-bullying as a violation of the terms of service, social networks are still being used to that extent. Questionnaires were distributed to two high schools in Cape Town; the primary focus of this study was to evaluate the number of mobile phone users amongst learners, creating an awareness of cyber-bullying amongst learners, and to get an indication of the level of cyber-bullying in Cape Town schools. The paper concludes with discussions and findings that could help not only the victims of mobile phone bullying, but teachers, school government bodies and the South African government to retaliate mobile phone bullying and create an awareness in schools and communities.