Tech

Facebook adds new tools to stem online bullying & harassment

Published

6 years ago

October 2, 2018

Facebook on Tuesday stepped up ways to battle bullying and harassment at the leading social network .
The initiative calls for new tools and programs to help users control “ unwanted , offensive or hurtful experiences on Facebook , ” global head of safety Antigone Davis said in a blog post.

“ Everyone deserves to feel safe on Facebook , ” Davis said .

Facebook users will be able to hide or delete groups of comments , including responses , instead of having to remove them one at a time , according to Davis.

The feature was rolling out on desktop computers and Android – powered mobile devices , and promised to reach versions of the application on Apple gadgets in coming months .

Facebook also began letting people report bullying or harassment on behalf of friends reluctant to complain to the social network themselves .

“ Being the target of unwanted attention can be stressful and some people may not feel comfortable reporting a bully or harasser, ” Davis said .

“ If you see a friend or family member being bullied or harassed , now you can report someone on their behalf . ”

A team at Facebook reviews complaints to determine whether reported posts violate policies at the social network .

An appeals process implemented earlier this year regarding photos, videos , or posts taken down due to hateful , violent , or sexually explicit content will extend to decisions regarding bullying , according to Facebook .

“ You will soon be able to ask for a further review if you report a piece of content for bullying or harassment and you think we made a mistake in determining whether it violates our policies , ” Davis said .

Facebook is also testing ways to let users search for or block words considered offensive in comment sections of their posts .

A majority of US teenagers say they have been victims of online harassment or bullying, and that social media companies aren ’ t doing enough to fight the problem , a recent survey showed.

The Pew Research Center survey found that 59 percent of US teens reported being bullied or harassed online , and 63 percent said it was a major problem for people their age .

“ Name – calling and rumor – spreading have long been an unpleasant and challenging aspect of adolescent life , ” said Monica Anderson , the lead researcher for the Pew report .

“ But , the proliferation of smartphones and the rise of social media has transformed where , when and how bullying takes place , ”

( AFP )