IN an era when technology unites us more than ever before, it has also given rise to a new sort of torment like cyberbullying - the deliberate and pervasive use of digital tech to harm or harass others in a vindictive way.
Many young people face constant harassment behind the screens of our digital devices, which has serious emotional and psychological implications.
Unlike conventional bullying, which takes place in person, cyberbullying can happen at any time and from any location, as long as the victim and aggressor have access to the internet or digital devices.
This type of bullying is particularly harmful since it is persistent and invasive, following the victim into their home and personal life.
Cyberbullying starts when the person has the intent to harm and to cause distress to the victim. The use of digital platforms occurs through social media, email, messages, online games and many more.
The perpetrators are likely to be anonymous, using the internet to hide their identity and be more aggressive. The ability to reach a wide audience, like harmful messages or pictures, can swiftly spread to a broad audience, magnifying their impact on the victim.
Cyberbullying can take numerous forms, each one detrimental to the victim, whether harassment, impersonation, cyberstalking or trolling, which can have profound and lasting impacts on an individual or affect victims emotionally, psychologically, and physically.
The consequences can be tragic. Victims frequently endure a wide range of emotional and psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, suicide.
Victims have little respite from internet harassment, which can add to their distress. They may become socially isolated, withdrawing from their friends and family.
Academically, students may suffer a drop in performance as cyberbullying makes it difficult to concentrate. The same for professionals.
Physical health is also affected. Stress and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches or sleep disturbances.
As reported recently, an influencer was targeted by a cyberbully using a fake account to threaten to the extent of making the victim and family live in fear. The continuous harassment led to severe depression, resulting in her suicide.
Thus, it is important for us to have one's privacy. Use privacy settings on social media to control who can see the posts and personal information.
Next, don't engage with a cyberbully or anonymous person. Avoid responding to negative comments or messages. Block and report the bullies.
Lastly, keep the evidence by saving the screenshots and messages, which can be useful if the situation escalates.
Parents, teachers and educators should keep an eye on the teens and kids, monitor online activity, keep track of their children's online interactions and educate them about safe online behavior.
All parents should practice open communication with their children to foster an environment where they feel comfortable discussing online experiences.
Parents and teachers should also be alert to changes in behavior, such as mood swings, or a drop in academic performance, which may point to cyberbullying.
So, by understanding its impact and taking proactive measures, we can make the internet safer for everyone.
It's time to speak out against cyberbullying and support people who are suffering in silence. If you or someone you know is being bullied online, do not remain silent.
We should welcome the news that the government has agreed to establish a special committee to address issues of cyberbullying.
Support it by reporting abuse, helping victims get help, and raising awareness about cyberbullying's deadly effects. Together, we can make a difference.
* The writer is a registered counsellor