Related videos:
A recent study conducted by the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba has confirmed the presence of cyberbullying and other forms of harassment among Basic Secondary and Pre-University adolescents.
According to a report by the official newspaper Sierra Maestra, the investigation revealed that the use of technology and access to the internet have led to concerning dynamics among young people, including the creation of exclusive groups for the dissemination of private information with the intention of humiliating other students.
These practices have led to conflicts in schools and, in some cases, have resulted in suicide attempts, according to the specialists quoted in the study.
Raida Dusu Contreras, head of the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, explained that cyberbullying among adolescents has become a "harmful and normalized" practice, where many acknowledge the damage they cause yet continue to engage in it.
Among the identified dynamics, there are notable instances of sharing personal videos, creating stickers from photos without consent, and displaying content that impacts the self-esteem of young people.
Giselle Vega Rodríguez, coordinator of the Psychology degree program, raised concerns about the impact of social media on the identity formation of adolescents, who seek validation through what they post online, without considering the consequences for their personal integrity.
The influence of youtubers and influencers was also identified, as they reinforce stereotypes that impact the self-image of young people.
Researchers warn that the lack of regulation and digital education exacerbates the situation, as many parents and educators are unaware of the bullying dynamics that occur on social media.
In some cases, teachers lack adequate technological training to guide students in the responsible use of the internet.
The study also highlights the impact of excessive screen time on the development of the prefrontal cortex in children, affecting their ability to regulate impulses and adhere to social norms.
Additionally, the need for greater parental control is mentioned to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content unsupervised.
In light of this situation, experts are calling for the strengthening of digital education in schools and promoting greater awareness of the risks of cyberbullying.
They also emphasize the need to apply existing regulations more rigorously to protect adolescents' privacy and prevent harassment in digital environments.
The recent passing of Lisnet Guzmán de la Cruz, a 15-year-old girl from Santiago de Cuba, has brought to light the dangers of cyberbullying and the lack of regulations regarding social media use on the island.
According to reports, the young woman was a victim of defamation on the Facebook page "Ventorrillo El Cristo," which led her to an emotional crisis that ended in tragedy. Her family and the community demanded urgent measures from the authorities to prevent similar cases from happening again.
Days later, her sister reported that cyberbullying in the area continues uncontrolled, and that other young girls might be at risk. In her testimony, she expressed her frustration at the lack of concrete actions by the authorities, emphasizing the need to create protective mechanisms for the youth.
The case of Lisnet is not an isolated one. In Cuba, the use of social media has grown exponentially, but without clear regulations to curb harassment and defamation. Facebook pages and anonymous groups have been used for personal attacks, resulting in numerous complaints from victims who, in many cases, find no institutional support. Activists and organizations have warned about the urgency to legislate against these crimes and create effective reporting channels.
In addition to cyberbullying, violence in Santiago de Cuba has raised concerns in recent months. The disappearance of young people and reports of cases of aggression and murder have increased, while families continue to demand justice. An example of this is the case of a young man from a town in Santiago who has been missing for over a week with no effective response from the authorities.
Frequently asked questions about cyberbullying and harassment among adolescents in Cuba
What does the study on cyberbullying in Santiago de Cuba reveal?
The study conducted by the University of Oriente confirms the presence of cyberbullying and other forms of harassment among adolescents in Santiago de Cuba, highlighting the use of technology to humiliate and disseminate private information, which has led to school conflicts and suicide attempts.
What are the main practices of cyberbullying identified in the research?
The sharing of personal videos and the creation of stickers without consent are some of the most common cyberbullying practices among adolescents, according to the study. These actions severely impact the self-esteem of young people and are viewed as harmful and normalized practices.
How does the use of social media affect the identity of Cuban adolescents?
Social media impacts the construction of identity among Cuban adolescents, who seek validation through what they post without considering the consequences for their personal integrity, according to Giselle Vega Rodríguez, coordinator of the Psychology program.
What role do parents and teachers play in the prevention of cyberbullying in Cuba?
The lack of regulation and digital education exacerbates cyberbullying in Cuba, as many parents and educators are unaware of the dynamics of harassment on social media. There is a highlighted need for greater digital education and parental control to prevent these issues.
Filed under:
