Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is intimidating online behaviour, wherein you can be targeted on an online public platform with threatening, humiliating, embarrassing and harassing posts or acts.

It can be carried out  through electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, e-mail, chat rooms, discussion groups  and websites in Internet.

Examples of Cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and sending embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

The act of cyber bullying not only hurts the child emotionally but they are prone to being targeted in group online and offline leading to social isolation, harassment, mental stress that may even lead suicidal attempts.

Few pointers / warning signs that may indicate that the child is victimized

• Recurrent health issues and not eating well
• Avoiding school or college and isolating self
• Felling depressed, sad, worried, agitated
• Loosing interest in doing any activities

Recognize the risk factors and which members of our youth are more likely to be targeted by identifying these risk factors.

• Excessive involvement in online social networking
• Tendency of discrimination or bias based on factors like looks, gender etc.,

Identifying and effective handling of the cyber bullying related issue is the key to avoid the negative effects which can prove to be very damaging.

Cyber bullying is intimidating online behaviour which can happen in different ways like - 

• Forwarding a private IM communication to others
• Impersonating to spread rumours
• Posting embarrassing photos or video
• Humiliating text sent over cell phones
• Sending threatening e-mails and pictures through e-mail or mobile
• Insulting other user in Interactive online games

Following certain safe online practices can help digital users sail smooth in the cyber space by avoiding possible dangers and offensive scenarios like cyber bullying.

Safety tips-

• Enable Security and Privacy features on social media accounts
• Use Parental Control Bars, Desktop Firewalls, Browser Filters to avoid or preventing children from cyber bullying others or accessing inappropriate content
• Leave the discussion page and block the bully, when you find negative posts
• Never retaliate to the provocative comments of the bully etc.,

Know about what Law says against such offences*

Cyber bullying is a punishable offence and attracts section 66E & 67, 67A , under I.T. Amendment Act 2008, and section 507 under IPC. It may also attract S.499 IPC for defamation incase the perpetrator shares defamatory contents publicly in the way of bullying.

*Disclaimer- The information related to legal provisions is provided for general awareness purpose only. It is purely for general informational and educational purposes only and not substitute for profession advice.