Today, people take to the internet or phone to bully others. You may ask, what exactly can one consider as Cyberbully? Cyberbullying is the use of any form of electronic device or means of communication to harass or bully another person. These methods of electronic communication or device include phones, the internet, text messaging, social media and more. The act of Cyberbullying is increasingly occurring as each day passes. People’s lives and reputations are continually being damaged by those that perform this action of twisted crime. Hate speech, sexual comments and even threats to life are being made every day.
The effects of Cyberbullying are not farfetched. The victims lose respect in the eyes of the public, self-esteem is wholly damaged and most times value for life is lost. Cyberbullying is one of the most rampant causes of depression these days, and if many suicide cases are appropriately investigated, one will notice that a Cyberbully was behind it. The sad truth about this phenomenon is that the perpetrators often do it just for fun, and sometimes, they cyberbully just to impress their friends. For a little game, life is lost. This menace needs to stop.
Different forms of Cyberbullying exist, and they include Cyber Stalking (this is the use of electronic communication to stalk a person with the intent to cause harm) and Cyber Trolling (the bullying that occurs in an online community or forum). Cyberbullying can be carried out by one or a group of persons. Cyber Stalking is the most dangerous form of Cyberbully because most often, the bully stalks the victim with an intention to cause physical or mental hurt. Cyber Trolls (I.e., those that perform the act of Cyber Trolling) usually has one purpose when they bully, and that is to generate a reaction by intentionally provoking another person.
Cyberbullying is prevalent in many countries all over the world, and every day, its occurrences in Malaysia keep increasing. This increase is encouraged by the increased use and availability of smartphones and mobile communication software like apps and social media. Most of the bullying that occurs happens on social media websites like Facebook and Twitter. This is the place where most young adults between the ages of 12 to 20 spend most of their time. Hence, it is safe to say that our young ones are continually being exposed to the dangers of Cyberbullying. Bullying has become easier because of the amount and type of personal information being shared online. Many cases of Cyber Bullying also occur on gaming platforms, especially to the male folks. Another sad fact about Cyberbullying is that the perpetrator can quickly disconnect from the aftermath of the action. Strong regulations and measures are desperately needed to curb this menace.
Globally, campaigns and movements against Cyberbullying are being created to deal with this twisted crime.
Most of the Cyberbullying in Malaysia occur to students, especially young ones. If this continues, most adults in the next few years will suffer from deep and incurable mental problems. It lies in the hands of parents, teachers, friends, family members and the general public to help curb and even entirely eradicate Cyberbullying. Parents need to teach their children what makes up an act of bullying and the dangers that it poses to the victim. They also need to be observant of their kids to help avert extreme effects of Cyberbullying like suicide. Teachers should also sensitize the students on the aftermath of Cyberbullying or bullying of any form at all. The government and human rights organizations should promote regulations and campaigns that will help nip this sore in the bud. Acts of Cyberbullying is a direct or indirect display of violence and abuse towards others. Sometimes, the bully may just be acting out of low self-esteem, and instead of improving his or her self-confidence, they take to bullying to make themselves feel more important. Seminars on self-worth improvement can be conducted in schools to help young kids and adults value themselves and others better.
For anyone that has experienced any form of Cyberbully, you must understand that it is not your fault. Your personality does not in any way deserve the kind of treatment you got. When Cyberbullied, ensure you do not react and try as much as possible not to dwell on the words or actions of the bully.
Look for help if you feel badly hurt, do not suffer this ill-treatment alone. I know it helped me, personally. If the bullying is occurring on a social media platform, please unfriend and block the person. Reporting the bully would have been advised but unfortunately, social media platforms like Facebook still have a long way to go in handling matters like this.