The rise of digital communication has brought with it a darker side: cyberbullying. Legal professionals and child advocates have warned of the detrimental effects of digital bullying on school students, emphasizing the threats to mental health, academic performance, and social progress. Cyberbullying, which includes offensive messages, defamatory content, and the sharing of private images, can have lasting consequences for victims.

The Fujairah Centre for Statistics, in conjunction with the Community Welfare Department, recently revealed that 12 boys associated with the department were accused of data technology crimes in the past year.

Educators and legal experts note that online conflicts among students can create meaningful psychological distress. Proving these abuses can be challenging, as aggressors often hide behind fake profiles or delete conversations on platforms like “WhatsApp”. This makes it tough for victims to protect their rights and demonstrate the harm caused.

One parent,(Umm Muhammad),shared her seventh-grade daughter’s experience with repeated harassment via “WhatsApp”: “My daughter was receiving annoying messages from her friend,including repeated reproach and criticism,and when she decided to cut her relationship with her,the messages turned into threats and reasons,the student was omitted,My daughter kept other conversations as evidence. “

“The girl began accusing my daughter of being the one who initiated the abuse, although the first messages that prove the opposite were deleted,” Umm muhammad added. “The matter developed between them into a physical assault inside the school, which ended with the signing of a pledge not to repeat the matter, although the case started from a simple disagreement and trivial reasons.”

(Umm Abdullah), the guardian of a ninth-grade student, recounted how her son was targeted with sarcastic content by classmates on “WhatsApp” after a minor classroom misunderstanding.One student created and shared mocking stickers using her son’s pictures, which significantly affected his self-esteem.

“I contacted the school management instantly, and our complaints met with a rapid response, as a behavioral committee opened an examination into the incident, and a disciplinary action was taken against the student who caused,” Umm Abdullah said. she added that teachers supported her son, reinforcing his self-worth and explaining that those who engage in digital bullying often suffer from their own insecurities. The school’s support played a crucial role in her son’s recovery.

School Strategies for Conflict Resolution

“The nature of the differences between students may seem simple or caused by trivial reasons, but she soon develops into an actual fight inside the school.”
– Aisha Al -Zyoudi, principal

Aisha Al -zyoudi, a government school principal, noted that seemingly minor disputes can escalate into physical altercations or digital abuse. “By virtue of I have managed students’ affairs for more than 10 years, I notice that the differences between students no longer stop at the borders of the school, but extend to the world Virtual,” she said.

Al -Zyoudi highlighted that students sometimes misuse e-learning platforms to harass peers, creating satirical or abusive content. She cautioned that electronic conflicts can lead to severe legal penalties and often involve biased parental intervention, especially when students are related.

To address these issues, schools are implementing educational mechanisms such as behavioral committees led by student affairs heads and academic advisors. These committees focus on behavior modification, student support, and improving students’ overall well-being both in and out of school.

When behavioral violations are observed, schools apply a “behavioral regulation” process, starting with educating and advising the student. Repeated offenses result in consequences ranging from deductions in behavior grades to disciplinary transfers, in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s approved list of behaviors.

Al -Zyoudi noted that severe violations, including electronic bullying, can lead to suspension and referral to legal affairs within the ministry, possibly involving “Community Care of Events.”

She added that parental involvement is crucial, but some guardians underestimate the issue or show bias, exacerbating problems through inappropriate messages on “WhatsApp” groups. Al -Zyoudi emphasized that schools are equipped to manage disputes through educational measures and protect students from verbal or psychological violence, whether in person or online.

Promoting Respectful Communication

Educational advisor Badria Al -Dhanhani emphasized the importance of instilling values from a young age and training students to manage conflicts civilly,rather than resorting to verbal or digital abuse. “Some students lack social skills to resolve conflicts, and resort to defamation through the means of communication in a way that offends them and others, which leads to long -term psychological damage,” Al -Dhanhani said, advocating for extensive educational programs in schools focused on digital awareness, electronic bullying, and promoting tolerance.

Legal Consequences

Legal advisor Rashid Al -Hafiti explained that the Federal Law on combating Cyber ​​Crime strictly addresses digital abuse, including threatening messages, fabricated images, and offensive content aimed at defaming others. He stressed that electronic crimes are taken seriously, especially when the perpetrator deliberately harms another’s reputation. Students who engage in such actions,even as a joke,may face legal consequences that affect their academic and professional futures.

Documenting Evidence

Al -Hafiti advised students and parents to document any instances of electronic bullying by photographing screens, saving records, and submitting evidence to school administrations or legal authorities. He also highlighted the importance of awareness and cooperation between schools, legal affairs units, and security authorities to deter violations and enhance digital safety.

Aisha Al -Zyoudi:

. Implementing the behavioral regulations accredited by the Ministry of Education when monitoring any violation between students.

Badria Al -Dhanhani:

. Students must be trained to manage disputes in a civilized manner, instead of escalating them through verbal or digital abuse.