Technology continues to advance rapidly in today’s world, bringing both benefits and drawbacks. One major downside is the rise of cyberbullying, especially with increased social media use. Cyberbullying involves using electronic communication to intimidate or threaten others.
It can severely impact mental health, often leading to depression. During COVID-19 lockdowns, cyberbullying worsened as more people stayed home online. To promote safety on social media, consider these tips
Read more: Parliament gives nod to Andrew Musangi as new CBK board chair
Protect your passwords
Passwords play a crucial role in protecting our privacy on social media. They are personal codes that grant access to our private information and should never be shared. Strong, unique passwords help prevent cyberbullying by making it harder for bad actors to gain control of our online accounts. We must be vigilant about using secure passwords in order to safeguard our digital lives.
Manage privacy settings
It’s important to understand and utilize the privacy settings for our social media accounts. Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow us to customize who can view, interact with, and tag us in posts. Set your accounts to private, review tagging abilities, and filter comments to limit unwanted attention. Checking your security settings helps prevent abuse, harassment, and unwanted contact. Being proactive about privacy and security creates a healthier online experience.
Log out when using public devices
Studies indicate many cyberbullying victims accessed their accounts on public devices and neglected to logout properly. This is especially common with email services. Simply closing the browser tab is insufficient – make sure to fully logout and clear any saved passwords off public machines. Properly logging off safeguards your accounts if the device ends up in the wrong hands. Taking the extra step to logout can protect you from potential cyberbullying or other misuse of your online profiles. Being cautious when using public electronics helps keep your accounts secure.
Be familiar with cyber crime laws
It’s important to be aware of laws related to cyberbullying and online harassment. The excuse “I didn’t know” won’t hold up legally if you are involved in cybercrime. Make an effort to understand regulations pertaining to online abuse, how to properly report incidents, and potential consequences for perpetrators. Educating yourself on cyberbullying laws will help you know how to respond if you or someone else becomes a victim. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is key to combatting this issue. A basic understanding of the legal landscape can go a long way in addressing cyberbullying.
Exercise restraint
Facing cyberbullies can be upsetting, but it’s important to stay calm and collected in your responses – or non-responses. Reacting in anger or frustration often fuels further bullying. Seek guidance on constructive ways to handle the situation. Replying rashly may provide new ammunition that harassers can use against you. Bullies exploit reactions, so depriving them of that satisfaction can be an effective tactic. While their cruel words may be hurtful, reacting emotionally tends to amplify the pain. Maintaining self-control and rising above their vitriol is key to mitigating the impact of cyberbullying.
Read also: 5 reasons why you need to get a hobby
Report cyber bullies
If you experience cyberbullying, there are established processes to report the offending accounts or individuals through social media and website protocols. Persistent harassment should also be escalated to local law enforcement. You have the right to contact authorities if online bullying continues unabated. Reporting mechanisms are in place to investigate and address cyberbullying across various internet platforms and sites. Don’t hesitate to utilize these channels if you are the target of sustained, unwanted hostility online. Standing up against cyberbullying through proper reporting procedures can help curtail this destructive behavior.
In a nutshell, cyberbullying continues to be a growing issue in our technologically-driven world. More awareness and education are needed around the impacts of online harassment, how it begins, and constructive responses. Governments should strengthen legal consequences for cyberbullies. But most importantly, we must remember our shared humanity. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, online and off. By standing united against cruelty and promoting compassion, we can work to create an internet and society rooted in kindness.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com
