Facilitated by digital platforms, it is becoming increasingly pervasive

The internet today has created an entirely new world of social communications, particularly for youth. No one can deny that technology has come a long way to make the lives of humans easier but at the same time, the negative aspect of it cannot be ignored. Over the years, the advancement in technology has caused a severe rise in health issues among individuals and above all has cut off people from society at large rather than connecting them. Gen Z, who are often sleep-deprived nowadays are affected due to online bullying i.e. cyberbullying. This type of bullying is rising drastically as more and more users are victimised by this.

There are numerous ways to define cyberbullying. But most importantly, it is the use of digital technology to intentionally hurt, harass, or intimidate others online. It is often regarded as one of the serious offences that can harm the online reputation of everyone involved.

Cyberbullying comes in various forms and doesn’t necessarily mean hacking someone’s profile or posing to be someone else but it could be flaming, trolling, harassment, denigration, and many more. Once something is over the internet it is out forever and can lead to depression, anxiety, and sometimes fear of using the technology. It can affect young minds in a very negative way so it can go up to the threat of death. The victim’s ability to focus and achieve their personal goals also decreases.

To promote better mental health among the youth, it becomes important to raise awareness about issues arising from the cyber world. Today, cyberbullying prevention is the utmost need of the hour. It needs to be monitored constantly and put an end to. Adopting various ways such as no sharing of personal information (home address, phone numbers, and bank details) online, avoiding posting photographs of self and others, and discussing personal matters over social media. Avoiding sharing the internet password and account details with anyone and not clicking mysterious links or SPAM are a few measures one can adopt to prevent being the victim of cyberbullying.

At the same time, parents too need to educate their children about this type of bully. Gone are the days when children and teenagers were troubled by school bullies. Today, they are targeted via the internet which proves to be more dangerous than traditional forms of bullying.

Parents should install parental control applications to keep monitoring their child’s online activities and at the same time, they must also establish communications with their child so that they open up to them when faced with such bullying. Most importantly, parents too need to familiarise themselves with various online facilities such as social networking, chatting, and many more.

In the times of artificial intelligence, one needs to be extra cautious to protect oneself from any cyber-attack. The effect of getting bullied through this mode is highly detrimental and may lead to fatal consequences.

There is no denying the fact that technology has brought ease to learn and earn for everyone but at the same time learning to use it properly and wisely is far more important.

Remember, try not to be the victim of the same. Treating everyone you meet online with respect is the only way to prevent yourself from being the victim of cyberbullying. It is not a form of fun or entertainment, but a serious issue that can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm.

(The writer is an educator; views are personal)