DOHA: Five Qatar University (QU) journalism students have joined hands to launch an initiative against cyber bullying.
Called Aman (security), the graduation project aims at raising awareness about cyber bullying and targets children from 12 to 17 years.
The project’s proponents include Ala Ahmad, Sali Waleed, Bushra Khaled, Munira Al Baz and Lugean Al Alaf.
Cyber bullies use the Internet deliberately to harm people, especially youngsters. Although it has become a common problem all over the world, cyber bullying has not received much attention in the country.
It has become a common phenomenon in Qatar but society is not aware of its spread, said Waleed.
“Our role is to make society pay attention to the problem and protect teenagers by preventing cyber bullying,” she said.
The project will raise awareness among families and teachers about the negative effects of cyber bullying on society.
Within the campaign, the students also proposed the idea of having a hotline to support, rescue and protect teenagers from cyber bullying, including psychological and psychiatric help.
Through the hotline teenagers can report bullying incidents they face and authorities can take measures upon taking permission of the victim. The campaign, which will involve concerned entities like telecommunications and psychiatrists, will be officially launched at QU this month.
The Peninsula
