Yogyakarta, September 16th 2021─The Center for Digital Society (CfDS) FISIPOL UGM again held its routine event, namely the 61st Digital Future Discussion by reviewing the issue of the Cyberbullying Phenomenon of Teenagers in Indonesia. Diffusion #61 this time is a form of collaboration between CfDS and the Center for Life-Span and Development (CLSD) UGM by presenting three speakers, including Deshinta Dwi (lecturer of the Department of Sociology of UGM), Andika Zakiy (Sejiwa Program Coordinator), and Fitra Andika (Functional Young Planner). Special Protection for Children from Violence, KEMENPPPA RI).
This discussion session began with the presentation of research findings on Cyberbullying in Adolescents in Indonesia, which was presented by Deshinta Dwi. From the resulting survey, as many as 69% of respondents are junior high school students with 88% owning a personal smartphone. Research findings also detect that social media trends used by actors include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. In addition, several categories of Cyberbullying trends were also obtained, both perpetrated by perpetrators and experienced by victims, ranging from acts of Harassment (Ridicule and Negative Comments), Denigration (Gossip and Rumors), and Exclusion from online groups. Deshinta also stated that some of the motives behind the proliferation of cyberbullying actions were among others due to normalization which unknowingly allowed this bullying to be treated as a normal thing, coupled with the thought that this action was easy to do. Moreover, the majority of the perpetrators who took this action were also motivated by the support of their group which also justified such an act.
Continuing Deshinta’s explanation, Andika Zakiy also mentioned the importance of educating oneself on this phenomenon. The reason is, the impact resulting from this act of bullying cannot be taken lightly. Starting from feelings of shame and trauma experienced by victims (Cyberbullied) and witnesses (Bystander), feelings of fear in doing activities or dealing with other people, in some cases even victims who have the desire to end their lives. Not only that, the perpetrator himself is also considered to be feeling the impact of his actions, one of which is the track record of his actions which is difficult to remove from cyberspace. To that end, Andika also conveyed several things that the community can do in reducing Cyberbullying, namely encouraging and being proactively involved in strengthening digital literacy, conducting synergistic collaboration with relevant stakeholders to create effective methods to reduce Cyberbullying, and encouraging the making of policies to ensure a sense of security in the digital space.
Meanwhile, from a representative from the Government, Fitra Andika said that in an effort to minimize this bullying act, KEMENPPPA RI facilitates public services in the form of providing a Child Friendly Information Center (PISA), SAPA 129 Telephone Friends of Women and Children, Socialization and Training on Child Rights and Protection, and the establishment of Children’s Forums at the National, Regency/City, and Village levels.