Bullying is not a new phenomenon but today’s children have found another, often more anonymous way, to be harass each other and this is called cyber-bullying.

Hiding behind the screen of their smartphone or computer they are harassing and humiliating each other in ways that parents often do not realise or do not know how to deal with.

MITA, together with 89.7 Bay and General Soft Drinks Co have just launched #StopHate – a nationwide awareness campaign against cyber bullying.

Addressing representatives from numerous entities and the several local celebrities who are all supporting this campaign, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth José Herrera, explained the need for an awareness campaign about cyber bullying to complement existing ones, such as BeSmartOnline.

“We live in a reality where six out of every ten youngsters are in one way or another subject to some form of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying takes bullying to a whole new level because of its constant, pervasive and publicness nature.”

Through the #StopHate campaign we are giving these youngsters the necessary tools to stand up and challenge this reality.” José Herrera also stated that the Government will be launching a charter of digital rights and obligations of the digital citizen.

Michael Farrugia, Minster for Family and Social Solidarity, reiterated the importance of such campaign as bullying in general is affecting all sectors of society.

Minister Farrugia mentioned that Government has already legislated harsher penalties for harassment of vulnerable groups.

“Such campaigns will not only help in reducing the cases of cyber bullying but also will have a positive affect on youths’ education and personal wellbeing,” concluded Minister Farrugia.

MITA’s Executive Chairman, Mr Tony Sultana, said that one of MITA’s roles is the propagation of ICT use in the Maltese society. “Besides encouraging more people to benefits from the opportunities that ICT offers, we have the responsibility to promote how technology will be used in a proper and safe way. Bullying is not confined to the boundaries of the classroom any longer. Cyber bullying can take place through a fake social media account, hurtful online comments or cruel messages via SMS or instant messaging.”

Mr Sultana explained how the #StopHate campaign is opening MITA’s programme of activities planned for 2015 which marks the 25th Anniversary from the Agency’s inception.

The #StopHate campaign will be disseminating awareness on this sensitive topic in a way that is in line with the youngsters mentality.

Kate De Cesare, Marketing Manager at Eden Leisure Group, said that through 89.7 Bay’s reach amongst the younger audiences it can really drive the #StopHate message home. “Cyber bullying is not cool and we want to instigate our audiences to put a stop to this whether it’s happening to them or to their friends.”

The #StopHate campaign is sponsored by MITA, 89.7 Bay and General Soft Drinks Ltd and is also supported by InterContinental Malta, Times of Malta, AirMalta, Ministry for Education and Employment, Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity, Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, BeSmartOnline, Water Services Corporation, KidsMalta.com and Agenzija Zghazagh.

For more information visit www.stophate.org.mt.

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