Ex-lawmaker Anges Lam Iok Fong, an associate professor at the University of Macau’s (UM) Faculty of Social Science’s Communication Department, yesterday urged organisations and enterprises to set up mediation or complaint mechanisms to handle workplace disputes, reduce employees’ online venting, and avoid cyberbullying.
Lam made the remarks while attending a current affairs phone-in programme hosted by Ou Mun Tin Toi, the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM, after a member of the public said during the phone-in that his friend had been bullied by a colleague on the internet, with the employer only suggesting his friend report the case to the police. The caller asked if the government could provide training to organisations and enterprises on how to deal with cyber bullying in the workplace.
Lam noted that government departments and private organisations around the world are promoting the establishment of mediation commissioners, where outsiders can help mediate if there is a conflict, or if someone does not accept punishment for alleged bullying.
Lam also urged the public to deal with conflicts in real life and avoid transferring problems to social platforms to complain, as young people are heavy users of the internet, but the pace from research to the introduction of policies to regulate internet behaviour cannot keep up with the development of the cyberworld.
Lam underlined that social media use algorithms to recommend personalised information, so that users can reach the content of their preferences, but thereby, relatively speaking, also narrow the information that is available, making it easier to manipulate individuals by using online information.
Sheng Kung Hui (SKH) Macau Social Services Centre representative Un Lai Mui noted during the phone-in programme that according to a survey the Anglican organisation conducted last year on the internet use of local teenagers, some users open groups on social platforms to discuss others’ personal behaviour, fabricate facts, make fun of others’ photos and engage in cyber bullying anonymously. She underlined that her centre has been asked for help from the victims concerned.
Un also noted that social workers in the centre do regularly conduct “internet patrols” to monitor potential bullies on social platforms and provide information on emotional counselling. She said that it would take time to build up cyber literacy in Macau, and policy formulation should be supported in different sectors such as social services and education.
Ex-lawmaker Anges Lam Iok Fong, an associate professor at the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Social Science’s Communication Department (right), and Sheng Kung Hui (SKH) Macau Social Services Centre representative Un Lai Mui pose during yesterday’s current affairs phone-in programme hosted by Ou Mun Tin Toi, the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM. – Photo courtesy of TDM
