What is Cyberbullying:
Cyberbullying is bullying(badamashee) that takes place over digital devices
like phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text,
and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view,
participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or
sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can
include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing
embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful
or criminal behavior.
Raising awareness and preventing Cyberbullying is one
of the greatest challenges of modern day child-rearing. Cyberbullying may in
fact be even more common: a study supported by PACER showed that 22% of
students report being bullied during the school year, while over 43% of kids
report being bullied online.
Why this is happening?
Because now majority of people are using smart phones
and services like social media and all.Earlier people were scared that how
society will react when something wrong occurs with their image,what they will
think about them or talk about them,in the same way people are even more sensitive about
their social image as well.
At the same time, the anonymity of the internet also means that children are
more willing to engage in online bullying, thinking there will be no
impact, or they may not understand the “real world” impact that cyberbullying
has on its victims. But it DOES have an impact, and victims of bullying are
more likely to suffer from…
- Depression or Anxiety
- Sleep Difficulties
- Loss of Interest in Normal
Activities
- Change in Appetite
- Poor School Performance
Cyberbullying can be done in different forms, For
example:
- Posting any kind of humiliating
content of the victim.
- Hacking the victim’s account.
- Sending or posting vulgar messages
online.
- Threatening to commit acts of
violence.
- Stalking by means of calls,
messages, etc..
- Threats of child pornography.
The most common places where cyberbullying
occurs are:
- Social Media, such as Facebook,
Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
- SMS (Short Message Service) also
known as Text Message sent through devices
- Instant Message (via devices,
email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
- Email
what to do if you get victim of cyberbullying?
Despite your best efforts, you may still become a victim of cyberbullying.
Here are steps you can take if it happens to you or someone you know.
- If the bullying is small-scale,
start by ignoring it. Dr Sameer Hinduja and Dr. Justin W. Patchin of the
Cyberbullying Research Center advise victims to ignore “minor teasing or
name calling” when possible. After all, bullies often want to get a rise
out of you. In addition, don’t forward the message.
- Block the bully. Do everything you
can to cut off contact. De-friend him or her on Facebook and screen his or
her calls.
- Make websites’ policies your
allies. You know those terms of use and website policy statements that you
never read? They can help protect you from cyberbullies. Report the
perpetrators to website administrators. Sites like Facebook and Youtube
have policies against cyberbullying and “safety centers” to deal with
reports of malicious activity. Your internet and cell phone service
providers may also have tools to track down and block bullies.
- Document the bullying. Make sure
to keep copies of harassing interactions to use as evidence and keep
records of the date and time.
- Call for back-up. School administrators and counselors, parents, and even law enforcement officers can all provide resources and support to victims and possibly take action against bullies. Many states now have laws anti-bullying laws, many of which cover cyberbullying. Check to see the laws in your state.
Legal action against cyberbullying
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) was enacted to deal with
e-commerce and electronic records, and also to punish e-commerce offences.
Offences such as intimidation, insult, annoying, harassment, defamation, etc.
in cyber space continued to be punishable only under the IPC till the 2008
amendment to the IT Act.
Section 66A in the amended IT Act deals with these crimes. Sending any
message (through a computer or a communication device) that is grossly
offensive or has menacing character; any communication which he/she knows to be
false, but for the purpose of causing insult, annoyance and criminal
intimidation comes under this section. This crime, under the current
IT/Cyber/Criminal laws in India is punishable up to three years with a fine.
I would like to conclude it with a message "Silence Never Helps any one,Speak-up"previous blog:Harsh Thakor(digi farming)
