Today, where everything is digital, we are aware of cyberbullying (bullying, threatening, or scaring someone on social networking sites.) Now, the question is, who does this? According to some research, the answer has come out. Cyberbullying gets done by children who have increasingly early access to these technologies. Children at younger age misuse the technology provided to them, which results in such issues. 

 

According to a McAfee report, 85% of children in India have fallen prey to cyberbullying. This stats is the highest on the global platform. Now, let us look at the various types of cyberbullying, its effect on youth, and measures to prevent it. 

 

Various types of cyberbullying

• Harassment: In this, one person tortures other via text wars. 
• Impersonation: Involves hacking the account or stealing the password and then making modifications to the profile
• Wrong photographs: Involves the use of photos to tease or humiliate others
• Website creation: Involves the creation of a website, poll, and blog to harass others
• Video shaming: Involves the harassing by uploading videos on social media 

 

Impacts of cyberbullying

• Results in physical, psychological, and emotional effects

• It increases the feeling of fear and anxiety and also can lead to further depression.

• Lowers the self-esteem

• A person may find it tough to feel safe and may feel alone and isolated.

• Promotes sadness, hopelessness, and powerlessness

 

Responding to cyberbullying

1. Report and not respond: Cyberbullying may fade if it does not get a response. Try not to respond to such bullying. You can notify the social media provider, the academy, or even the cops if the cyberbullying implicates threats or breaks cyberbullying laws. 

2. Document the incidents: Screenshot everything that is posted online about you. It will make it easy for you to take legal action later. Report the incidents instantly and let the police keep the evidence. Do not keep copies of any sexual posts.

3. Involve the school and the police: Harassment in the school should be reported to the school authorities immediately. It is up to the school whether to report it to the police or not. 

4. Be aware of the effects: Distract yourself from social media, do fun, encourage yourself, and try a new hobby. 

5. Refrain from taking away technology: Do not stop using social media. Take a break. Help yourself navigate the situation by changing online behaviours, setting boundaries, and limiting time online.

 

Measures to prevent cyberbullying

• Keep your social media accounts private. 
• Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Have a solid and different password for each platform.
• If you are using public computers, log out of your account after completing your work. 
• Try not to share personal information online.
• Never share your location online unnecessarily.
• Always think before posting anything online. 
• Set a limit on your posts and on time that you are using social media.