“I was bullied by them.” Whether it is offline or Online Trolling, oftentimes, we might have or might
have not even shared these words with our parents, friends or family. Many of us must have
encountered the bully feeling very early on in our childhood, during the school days. Because
may be, the ones who bully us then were our own friends or family members or they can be
strangers met in person, or strangers whom we don’t even know in the social media world. That
could be anyone. Trust that, we all have been bullied by some or the other person at some point
in our lives.
So, ‘What does Cyber Bullying exactly mean?” Let’s understand that first! Deliberately misusing
the power of aggressive dominance or hurtful comic teasing repeatedly through verbal or
physical behaviour towards someone is called bullying. In simple terms, bullying when done in
the online world (not only on social media) is called cyber bullying. This Humiliation can intend to
cause physical, mental or social harm to that person and its effect stays for a long term. Many
people don’t realise that their actions might not be pleasant to that person every time, for it is
now affecting their mental health which causes stress and anxiety.
Nowadays, we can see how people are not even at peace in the social media world. Biggest
examples of cyber bullying are celebrities. They are the first ones to be targeted over Online
Trolling for anybody in the social world. Many of them find it funny without having the knowledge
that they are being cyber bullies. Before passing any trolls in the form of comments or memes,
people must also realise that more of it directly or indirectly affects their mental health.
E-threatening messages are an alarming situation these days. According to the latest statistics,
● More than 1 in 3 people have faced the threats of Internet Humiliation,
● More than 25% of youngsters have been bullied continuously over the web,
● More than 50% of the teens do not tell their parents about Online Trolling.
How can we contribute in reducing these stats?
● As parents, talk to your children about e-threatening messages, tell them that it is wrong
and can have a major impact on others.
● Keep online bullying messages as a proof, then, block the ones who are humiliating you
online.
● Never share your personal details with any random person.
● If you are being threatened online, please reach out to any adult and talk to them about
it.
● Keep internet access in an open space and not privately at home.
Being aware of e-threatening messages and taking such measures can definitely help make a
safe and secure online world for us and our children too. Know more about Women Online
Safety here.