CYBERBULLYING : How to stay safe online?   

Today, I am addressing a critically important issue that affects many individuals in our interconnected digital landscape—cyberbullying—and outlining strategies for ensuring our safety while navigating the online environment. The internet serves as an essential resource, providing opportunities for communication, exploration, entertainment, and education. It connects us with friends and family, enables us to discover new perspectives, and offers a platform for engagement in various activities. However, a fact most of the youth may not be aware of is cyberbullying, and the corners of the internet that we should not go to, or even think about. Many websites show no less than EXPLICIT CONTENT, Movies we as youth might not be allowed to see, games we should not play, etc.

But some network access prevents access to these kinds of sites, which is fine. But then we come to cyberbullying. Who can we really trust? Who are our real friends? That is the question.

Cyberbullying can happen to anyone by anyone. Whether you know or not..

An example of cyberbullying is very common. Video games with chatting websites, for example, let’s take Roblox, Fortnite, or Minecraft. These games can have voice chat servers. I take an example of myself, and many others who were new to gaming, particularly themselves, as many people who are referred to as “Toxic” will bully new people, referring to them as noobs. Some people might be comfortable while sharing this information, some may not be, and that is completely fine. But to solve this problem, you need the support of a trusted counselor, because you never know when, who, or why you can be cyberbullied. But, you do know how to stop it.

Now, let’s take a look at a real-life example.  (This incident has been on BBC News.) A young 7th-grade middle school girl was bullied by her own friends. They started calling her bad words, telling her she should die, etc. The tiny behavioral changes, at first, her mother, let’s call her “MOM”, thought nothing of, but those behavioral changes started to increase: crankiness, rudeness, and she began hiding things. Things started getting worse, and one day, her mom checked her phone; nothing could have met her with much more shock than this. Slowly, nasty Instagram posts started to be made about her. This went on and on and on for 2 years, and she silently dealt with it, but the pain was inevitable.

To be safe from cyber-bullying, here are a few steps you should take.

1. Screenshot and save everything that the sender is sending you, no matter how offensive or scary.

2- Block the person immediately.

3 – Show the chats to a trusted adult. Whether it is a parent, relative, teacher, or a school counselor.

4- If really required, call 1098* child helpline number.

5 – Take a break, and prevent using social media for a short period of time, 1 week to 1 month, if required.

So, friends, that’s all. Make sure to spread awareness, and always help a person in need.