Birendra Madai

With the explosion of the internet and people having excessive spare time, cybercrimes have become a major headache for society. Cyber bullying is one of the main problems facing youths today. Also known as online bullying, this kind of crime has been facilitated by devices like cell phones, computers and tablets.
Cyber bullying is a widespread phenomenon through which children, preteens, teens or even adults are intentionally targeted, humiliated, tormented or threatened. Harmful bullying activities may include posting rumours, threats, sexual remarks, sharing the victim's personal information or pejorative labels i.e. hate speech.
It does not have a long history as the internet was invented only in the 1960s. Within a relatively short span of time, it has been able to grow wide and far. Face-to-face bullying was common before but now cyberspace has become an easy platform for the bullies to humiliate the victims.
Social media, SMS (short message service), instant message, email and online gaming are often found being used for bullying. Harassment, impersonation, inappropriate photograph, website creation and video shaming are the common methods of bullying. Face- to- face bullying and cyber bullying can often take place simultaneously. The only difference between them is that the latter leaves digital footprints which can be used as direct evidence against the offenders.
Internet trolling is a serious type of bullying that affects the online community. It is done to elicit a reaction or sometimes just for personal amusement at the cost of victims' reputation.
Similarly, cyber stalking is the use of social media for following a person. The victim is likely to be seriously affected mentally with the hurting remarks of the stalkers.
Bullying is not only restricted within the schoolyards. It takes a severe form through the electronic means of communication as well. A 2016 US-based study revealed that 34 per cent of teens have been the victims of cyber bullied at least once in their lifetime. Globally, about 52 per cent of children reported that they have been bullied by their classmates.
Cyber bullying can cause several complications to the victims. When bullying takes place online, a victim tends to feel unsafe even inside his own home. It is really hard to escape. As its effects may last for a longer period, it torments a person mentally, emotionally and physically. A victim may experience low self-esteem, even a suicidal tendency and variety of negative emotional responses.
If you think you’re being bullied, the first step is to seek help from someone you trust such as your parents, a close family member or another trusted adult. If you are in an immediate danger, you should contact the police or emergency services.
Laws against bullying, particularly on cyber bullying, are relatively new and still do not exist everywhere. This is why many countries rely on other relevant laws such as ones against harassment, to punish cyber bullies. For the bullying to stop, it needs to be identified and reported. We need to be thoughtful about what we share or say that may hurt others.