Cyberbullying

Did you Know?

More than 1 in 3 children, as young as 10 years old, are tackling cyber-stalking, racism, sexual harassment, threats of physical harm & more.

Shocking right? Isse bhi jyada shocking yeh hai ki 45% hide it from their parents. Time for awareness and action to protect our youth.

At JJ Tax, we see this as a sign to step up and empower parents, teachers, and especially, young minds facing challenges in the digital age. Kyunki, hiding is not the answer — it&s time to stand up and fight back. Remember, everyone has the right to seek legal help.

Understanding Cyberbullying and its common forms

Cyberbullying refers to bullying or harassment that takes place online or through digital platforms. It can take many troublesome forms through the use of mobile phones, social media, websites, forums, etc.

Some common types of cyberbullying include:

• Online Harassment & Trolling: Sending constant offensive, rude, insulting messages to a person via messaging apps, comments, posts etc. to provoke a reaction. This is commonly referred to as trolling.

• Spreading Rumours: Sharing gossips and fake allegations about a person on public online platforms, causing embarrassment and harm to their reputation.

• Sharing Embarrassing Content: Sharing sensitive or potentially embarrassing personal photos, videos or information about someone online without their consent.

• Cyberstalking & Impersonation: Tracking someones digital activities with the intent to harass, along with creating fake profiles to impersonate and bully others.

• Threatening Messages: Sending intimidating messages such as threats of physical harm, sexual threats, blackmail etc. These directly or indirectly pressurize the recipient.

Preventing Cyberbullying: A Call to Action!!

While legal resolutions remain crucial for addressing cyberbullying, the most effective approach involves proactive measures such as preventive education and the promotion of responsible online behaviour.

Kuch key strategies jo sabke liye janna bohot zaroori hai -

• Educating on Cyber Ethics: Schools and parents must educate teens on cyber ethics, privacy, digital footprints, and the serious consequences of cyberbullying - including long term trauma and suicide risks. Understanding the consequences can prevent indulging in or ignoring such harassment.

• Promoting Digital Citizenship: Younger internet users should be motivated to become responsible digital citizens. Using technology and online interactions for spreading positivity, respecting diversity, and standing up against cyberbullying.

• Empowering Victims: Victims of cyberbullying often hesitate or are embarrassed to report it. Its crucial to teach them that its not their fault and empower them to seek support from elders, report abuse to respective platforms, and contact cyber cells for assistance.

• Stricter Social Media Policies: Social media platforms where bullying often takes place, should strengthen their report review mechanisms, block abusive accounts faster and impose age limits.

To stop the alarming rise in online harassment of teens and young individuals, proactive measures are essential before it escalates.

Sabe zyada zaroori baat hai yeh samazna ki trolling is NOT normal.

Legal Safeguards Against Cyber Bullying in India

To address the growing concern of cyberbullying and online harassment, India has implemented various legal measures, including:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000: The IT Act addresses unauthorized access, data theft, and online harassment. Offenders can face imprisonment and fines.

2. Indian Penal Code, 1860: Section 503 (criminal intimidation), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and 499 (Defamation) provide legal avenues against cyber bullying.

3. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: For cases involving sexual harassment and cyber-bullying of minors, the POCSO Act ensures stringent action against the perpetrators.

4. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Victims can file online complaints through this portal to report cybercrimes, facilitating a quick response from law enforcement agencies.

5. Data Privacy and Protection Act, 2023: This legislation is a step towards protection of personal data and eventually prevention of cyber stalking. It mandates obtaining consent before processing personal data and grants consumers the right to access, rectify, amend, and delete their data as per legal requirements.

If you are a PARENT, TEACHER, FAMILY MEMBER, OR FRIENDS – sabki responsibility hai to be aware and make everybody aware.

We must lead by example on responsibly using technology for connecting, communicating and self- expressing without infringing on others’ rights.

Let us proactively herald positive change towards making the Internet devoid of abuse rather than expecting external intervention alone to safeguard our future generations. It begins with small and diligent steps by each one of us.

Together, we can contribute to a safer and more respectful online environment for everyone.