Cyber-bullying Awareness & Prevention:

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"

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