Welcome to Mind-The-Trap

Welcome to MIND-THE-TRAP!

A web page aimed at preventing and making aware of traditional bullying and cyberbullying created within the scope of the research-intervention project

“a solidarity network against bullying in the real as well as in the virtual world”

promoted by the Province of Lucca (Welfare Service), the Departments of Psychology and Information Technology of the University of Florence.

Bullying is a particularly insidious and pervasive aggressive behaviour based on the hostile intention of one or more young subjects, on the repetitiveness of the persecutory deed over time and on the weakness of the victim, who is unable to react.

In recent times bullying episodes have been more and more characterised by the use of new technologies : cyberbullying or electronic bullying involves the use of the Internet or of mobile phones to abuse a peer. It may materialise through SMS , instant messaging or photos and video posting, which contain insults, menaces or compromising images aimed to hurt the victim.

It’s a phenomenon linked to the evolution and to the diffusion of new technologies among young people, also depending on the fact that part of their social relations take place in a virtual world, no more only in face-to-face interactions. In the electronic episodes the attack is nearly always indirect and often the bullies remain anonymous. However, the mediatic impact of these acts is very strong: teasing or offending are thrown into the global village, making it particularly hard for the victim to face the consequences of such episodes. For this reason, though the phenomenon is not so manifest, it should be regarded with great attention.

The aim of this website is to create a space of information, awareness and confrontation on themes related to bullying in the real and virtual world, inviting students of the schools involved in the project as well as other interested young people and adults to participate actively.

What is bullying and what is cyberbullying?
Which consequences are expected on physical and psychological wellbeing?
What can we do to contrast this problem? How can we promote a culture against abuse and for the acceptance of diversity and sharing?
Do you know someone who suffered abuse and harassment by his/her mates? Were you yourself a victim or an actor of abuse? Would you share your experience with people in a similar situation?
Do you need help?

These are just a few questions which MIND-THE-TRAP intends to answer. In this portal you will find other friendly and helpful students to chat with, news on the schools and classes taking part in the project, links to other portals dealing with these problems, suggestions and incentives to work on with your mates, and an email service - THE CONFIDANT – where you can ask for help or confidential advice.