Survey Reveals 20% of Secondary School Teachers Face Cyberbullying in Ireland
Every 1 in 5 Secondary School Teachers Face Cyberbullying in Ireland!!
According to a recent poll by Red C on behalf of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI), cases of cyberbullying directed at teachers are increasing, with nearly one in five secondary teachers reporting cyberbullying at work.
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The research highlighted various forms of cyberbullying, including receiving abusive messages, having videos uploaded without consent, trolling, fake profiles, hacking, and sharing private information. The vulnerability that teachers experience is highlighted by Jean-Marie Ward, Deputy Principal of Malahide Community School in Dublin, especially because of the anonymity of those who commit crimes.
At Malahide Community School, a proactive measure has been implemented where students must keep their phones in sealed pouches during the day, reducing incidents of cyberbullying among both students and teachers.
The survey revealed that students are the primary perpetrators of cyberbullying, but parents accounted for 20% of incidents. The impact of cyberbullying on teachers is significant, affecting their self-confidence, sense of authority, and overall well-being.
Secondary School Teachers Face Cyberbullying – Urgent Action Required
ASTI President Geraldine O’Brien stressed the need for strong policies, legislation, and increased social media platform accountability to protect school communities from cyberbullying.
The survey, titled ‘Digital Technology and its Impact on Teachers’ Working Lives‘, also shed light on teachers’ cautious yet curious approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in education. While 22% reported using AI in their classrooms and nearly a third in their planning and preparation, over 80% expressed concerns about issues such as data harvesting and increased workload.
Regarding communication outside of work hours, more than half of teachers receive communications from school management at least once a week, while 19% receive such contacts daily. Furthermore, nearly half of instructors receive emails from parents during non-working hours, and four out of five teachers receive emails from kids during this time.
Teachers are enthusiastic about technology, but there are still issues, such as a lack of access to computers and technical help. Concerns about a digital divide among students were also raised, particularly regarding access to digital devices at home, which impacts their ability to engage in schoolwork.
The results highlight the necessity of all-encompassing approaches to deal with cyberbullying, assist educators in overcoming technological obstacles, and provide fair access to technology in the classroom.
