In a 2012 study by Microsoft, India ranks 3rd for the highest number of cyberbullying cases recorded among 25 other countries. Bullying is harassing someone in the form of teasing, abuse, domination or intimidation. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying which is done online.
Cyberbullying
Bullying is no restricted to in real life interaction. With the rise of technology, it has not only given us massive developmental milestones, but the bullying moved to online platforms such as social media. Cyberbullying includes use of harsh words; intention of defaming someone, insulting someone; abusing someone; all this takes place digitally via online communication.
Anyone can be a victim of cyber bullying, and can happen through any means. No one is safe from cyberbullying even in the four walls of their homes. Most common sources of cyberbullying are -
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.
Instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
E-mail
Types of cyberbullying
You may or may not have heard of the following types of cyberbullying-
Catfishing- These are fake accounts which use an individual’s pictures and/or information, and pretend to be them. Sharing sensitive information about the individual to defame them is one the most common ways of cyberbullying.
Cyberstalking- Stalking is following someone which makes them feel unsafe. In the same way, cyberstalking is following or keeping a track of activities online, and sending them messages which threaten to harm them.
Outing- Outing is done especially in the case of individuals identifying with the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual orientation of individuals especially in dangerous situations is shared. This can put the individuals at an even greater risk.
Exclusion- When an individual is deliberately excluded from a group or ganged up on.
Trolling- Using harmful words or language to intentionally hurt someone.
Fraping- Originally only used for Facebook, but it has been now generalized to describe using someone’s social media account to post some defamatory content.
Harassment- Continuously sending inappropriate comments or nude pictures.
Effects of cyberbullying
The most known effects of cyberbullying were lower self-esteem, depressive symptoms, suicide ideation. In a study of longitudinal effects of cyberbullying on adolescent mental health, it was found that victims report symptoms of social anxiety. Cyberbullying was also strongly correlated to emotional abuse. It can also impact the victim’s daily life, academic performance and emotional well-being. Cyberbullying can also make a person withdraw from those around them, and make them prone to self-harm. There can be changes in appearance (sudden change in weight), loss of appetite, irregular sleeping patterns, change in personality (being moody, irritable, angry). This can be all attributed to the feeling of being unsafe, humiliated, degraded due to cyberbullying.
Prevent Cyberbullying
There are many ways to prevent cyberbullying. Parents can ensure that their kids are using the internet appropriately by keeping a track of their digital activities. Banning certain websites, limiting screen-time, and installing age-appropriate limits in computers are some ways to ensure that children are neither the harasser nor the victim of cyberbullying. Making individuals aware of effect of cyberbullying is also an important factor. Workshops in schools and offices help increase awareness. Privacy settings are a huge factor in preventing cyberbullying. Keep your account along with personal information such as contact number private. Do not accept friend or follow requests from strangers. Restrict access to personal information and beware of online interactions.
Stop Cyberbullying
Certain steps to safeguard ourselves from cyberbullying are-
Block/Do not respond
Responding can increase an individual’s motivation to retaliate. Blocking can just stop the individual from sending a message. Instagram has recently introduced a new feature where you can choose not only to block a particular account but also all accounts the individual might create. This leads us to better online safety.
Keeping your access safe
This includes not sharing your passwords with anyone, and additionally keeping a lock to your phone as well.
Choose what you interact with
Have a complete control over who sees whatever you post, choosing wisely what to post, not interacting with suspicious sources, not downloading media which is illegal.
Keep evidence
Document whenever you are being harassed to have a proof that you were the victim as it is very easy to manipulate things with technology.
Report it
Ask for help if the bullying is out of control. The cyber crime division assists everyone who approaches them.
Laws regarding cyberbullying
No specific laws for cyberbullying have been made, but there are certain provisions under Information Technology act- section 67. Section 67 is pertaining to punishment for publishing, or transmitting obscene material in electronic form for up to five years, and also a fine of up to ten lakh rupees. Other than section 67, there are section 507 IPC and section 66 E of IT Act. Section 507 IPC prescribes punishment for a person giving threats of criminal intimidation by means of anonymous communication. The word anonymous includes anti-bullying and cyberbullying. The punishment can be up to two years. Section 66 E of IT Act prescribes punishment for violation of privacy of up to three years imprisonment, or fine up to three lakhs. Similarly, colleges and universities are taking steps to prevent bullying. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has established anti-ragging committees in UGC approved colleges and universities. India is yet to see a formal legislation for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying if not taken under control can lead to huge problems.
References
Anunobi, V. (2018, October 16). Cyberbullying and Mental Health. Healthtian. https://healthtian.com/cyberbullying-and-mental-health/
Kalollu, S. (2019, September 24). Cyberbullying – Facts, Laws and Prevention In India. Blog EScan. https://blog.escanav.com/2019/09/cyberbullying-facts-laws-and-prevention-in-india/
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