Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth

Discussion
Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth
– manual for youth workers –
1. Why at times do young people not want to speak about the violence in their lives?
2. Is it considered acceptable for a girl to leave her abusive partner? Is it easy? What about
boy who has abusive female partner? What do you think about same sex relationships
and violence in them?
3. Why would someone remain in an abusive relationship? Are these reasons different for
young women and adult women?
4. In general, when you are violent or when you suffer violence (cyber bullying and
violence in real life), do you talk about it? Do you report it?
5. Do you talk about how you feel if you are victim of violence? If you do not, why not?
6. How does it feel to know that a friend or someone you know is suffering from violence?
7. How can you bring up violence if you are worried about a friend?
8. How can you support a friend who has suffered from violence or aggression?
9. What have you learned in this activity? Have you learned anything that can be applied
in your own life and relationships?
Following the discussion, ask the group to name all of the community resources that they are
aware of, which could be helpful for someone who is a victim of violence. You can ask the
question: “If you think your friend is a victim of cyber bullying or violence in real life, who or
where would you suggest she/he turn to for help?”
As participants offer names of resources, write them on the flipchart paper. The facilitator
should also mention any additional places where young people can go for help and distribute
the handout listing these resources.
Conclusion
It can be very difficult for young person who suffer violence (either online or in real world) to
speak out and seek help. Various factors influence a victim’s response to violence. It is
important not to judge people who do not report violence, but to think about how you can
support them, to understand the consequences of violence and the importance of creating
communities where people can live their lives free of violence.
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