The
list of keywords and phrases formulated by the group of cyberbullying mentors has
been used to assist Impero’s research into e-safety development, enabling the
software company to develop an extensive keyword detection library. The
students, who ranged from 11-16 in age, were able to provide a vivid insight
into commonly used text speak, jargon and slang terms, of which Impero was
previously unaware. Keywords and phrases which the mentors believed victims may
use in retaliation to cyberbulling were also considered.
The
new addition, which falls under Impero’s e-safety feature, consists of various
keywords, phrases and acronyms most likely to suggest bullying behaviour. A
glossary providing a definition of each term ensures educational staff
understand the nature of a potential violation when these keywords are typed by
a student, then captured and highlighted by the software. A new ‘confide’
button has also been developed, which will enable students to confidentially
raise a bullying concern, anonymously, with a member of a staff.
Although
it is important to embrace the opportunities technology in education can
afford, it is equally vital to ensure students behave appropriately and remain
safe in the digital classroom. Impero believed it was important to gain an
insight from young people who possess experience of the effects of online
bullying, both first-hand and from an advisory perspective. This information
has provided invaluable research into the development of the detection library,
which will now highlight hundreds of keywords and phrases related to online
bullying.
The
collaboration between Impero and the cyberbullying mentors from The Winston
Churchill School has supplied a wealth of knowledge to proactively combat the
issue of cyberbullying. The student cyberbullying mentors are proactively
helping young people to remain safe in the digital world throughout schools nationwide.
