Fully Enjoy the Internet: educational speed dating to fight cyberbullying.
On Oct. 21-27, Milan hosted the Infancy Forum, a week of conferences, events, labs, workshops, didactic activities, and meetings dedicated to children, families, and the world of education and school [see programme].
Amongst the many scheduled activities, the FMD organised an original format: speed dating to promote a rapid solution to cases of bullying and cyberbullying, as part of Fully Enjoy the Internet. The meeting with parents, educators, teachers, and citizens was held last Friday, October 25, at the offices of the Unit to Contrast School Dropouts (CODIS) in Milan. “The event promoted an authentic debate amongst the adults sharing the task of educating youth to a responsible use of digital tools,” explains Elisabetta Gramatica, Project Officer and local coordinator for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale. “Generating awareness and encouraging debate not only helps us fight phenomena such as cyberbullying, but also develops a solid community that is respectful of everyone.”
“Surfing the web may present legal, psychological, and social threats. Participants were able to discuss these dangers with experts such as the Deputy Commissioner of the Postal Police in Milan, relations counsellor Laura Silvi, and Psychologist Tullia Romanelli, an FMD coach,” explains Project Officer Sofia Barbè Cornalba. “Participants were divided into small groups and had the opportunity to express their doubts and understand the dynamics of digital security, bullying, cyberbullying, and conscientious parenting, together with experts in 15-minute sessions,” continues Sofia. The cases of Flavia and Massimo, two difficult cases with similar results, but very different dynamics, were used as the starting point.
Flavia, 18, suffered both physical and psychological bullying since elementary school and then fell victim to cyberbullying in middle and high school. Notwithstanding these repeated traumatic experiences, Flavia found the courage to speak to her parents and teachers who immediately intervened. “I would like to thank my parents and all those who helped me stand back up,” writes Flavia. Thanks to the support she received, the situation was resolved without having to resort to public authorities.
Massimo suffered violent attacks during his first year of upper school, but did not have the mind to immediately express his unease, thereby strengthening the power of the bullies. When he finally reported on his bullies, the school took no action, and the bullying became worse. He was able to stop the cycle of violence thanks to his family and the postal police. “Do not wait as long as I did,” Massimo admonishes. “Immediately tell a friend. There always is someone stronger than the bullies, like the police, the law, the state.”
The participants appreciated the experience. “I wish events like these were viral,” commented an educator. “They are opportunities to show adults to how teach kids about the risks and opportunities of the Internet.”
