To stop cyber bullying it is important to first understand that it is not just an online issue, but it can have a deep impact on someone's mental health and life. Cyber bullying often occurs on social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and online forums where people target others for false accusations, rumours, misuse of personal information or to vent anger. To deal with it awareness is important first, so that people can recognise what cyber bullying is and how it can be stopped.
The first way is to strengthen your online privacy. Check the settings of your social media accounts and only add to your friend list people who really know you and whom you trust. Do not share your personal information, such as phone number, address or personal pictures, with unknown persons. It is also important to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication so that no one can get hold of your account. Cyber bullies often use fake accounts to harass people, so if you receive a message from an unknown account, ignore or block it.
Another way to deal with cyber bullying is to take immediate action if you are a victim of any kind of harassment. Never try to be rude or helpless with a bully because their motive is to make you react emotionally. Instead, take a screenshot of their messages or comments and save them so that you have the proof if you need it in the future. There is an option to report harassment on social media platforms and websites, so make sure to use it. If the matter gets serious and you come across threats or harmful behaviour of someone, contact the cyber crime authorities.
Cyber bullying can be even more harmful for children and youngsters, therefore it is also the duty of parents and teachers to tell their children about safe internet usage. Parents should talk openly with their children about their experiences with the internet and social media, so that if they ever face any problem they can seek advice from their parents without fear. Schools and colleges should also organize awareness programs and workshops against cyber bullying, so that students know about its effects and prevention methods.
If a person is a victim of cyber bullying, his/her emotional support is very important. Often people do not share their pain and suffering with anyone and face this issue alone, which can cause even more harm to their mental health. Friends and family members should support someone who is a victim of cyber bullying, listen to him/her and make him/her understand that it is not his/her fault. Taking professional help can also be a good option if someone's mental health is getting affected greatly due to this reason.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to be a responsible internet user. Never insult anyone on social media or any other online platform as even a small thing can cause a huge trauma to someone. Always maintain positive and respectful behavior and if you ever see someone being cyber bullying then don’t keep quiet but help them. Technology alone is not the solution to cyber bullying, rather it is very important for the human society to come together to end this issue.
Another important way to stop cyber bullying is for people to know digital etiquette and responsible online behaviour. Often people send comments or messages without thinking, which can be hurtful to others. It is important that every person understands that what he is writing online can have an impact on someone's life in real life. Therefore, one should always think before writing any post or comment, whether it can be hurtful to someone. This is a simple but very powerful way to reduce cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying is not just limited to direct messages or negative comments, but making fun of someone, sharing their private pictures or personal information without permission also comes under the category of cyber bullying. Often people make a meme of someone's picture or post or take a screenshot of it and share it without thinking how much harm it can cause to the other person. Therefore, it is important that every person understands his responsibility and respects someone's privacy. What someone finds funny can be the most painful moment of life for another person.
Another way to avoid cyber bullying is to avoid spreading fake news and rumours. Often those people become victims of cyber bullying about whom false rumours are spread. These rumours can ruin a person's reputation and lead to social isolation. Therefore, it is always important to verify any information before sharing it. If you see lies being spread against someone, you must stand with that person and support him, so that the morale of the bully can be broken.
In many places cyber bullying is also a result of jealousy or competition, where people cannot tolerate the success of others and use negative tactics to belittle them. In such a situation, the best way is not to reply to the bully's words, but to channel your energy into some productive work. Cyber bullies often just want attention and when they are ignored they lose interest. But if someone is being too aggressive then blocking and reporting them is the best option.
Nowadays many NGOs and cyber safety organizations are working against cyber bullying whose aim is to provide people a safe online environment. If you see someone being a victim of cyber bullying, don’t just watch as a spectator but report it on the appropriate platforms. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have special reporting systems in place that monitor cases of cyber bullying and take action. Apart from this, cyber crime helplines are also available in many countries where a report can be made.
Finally, it is very important to understand that cyber bullying is a serious issue which is not just of an individual but of the whole society. It is the responsibility of every individual to play his/her part in creating a safe and positive digital environment. If every individual just thinks that he/she will not hurt anyone, will not make false accusations on anyone and will respect anyone's privacy, then the issue of cyber bullying can be reduced to a great extent. It is important to tell yourself and your friends that the internet is a powerful tool that should be used only for good, not to belittle or harass anyone.
Another important way to stop cyber bullying is for people to know digital etiquette and responsible online behaviour. Often people send comments or messages without thinking, which can be hurtful to others. It is important that every person understands that what he is writing online can have an impact on someone's life in real life. Therefore, one should always think before writing any post or comment, whether it can be hurtful to someone. This is a simple but very powerful way to reduce cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying is not just limited to direct messages or negative comments, but making fun of someone, sharing their private pictures or personal information without permission also comes under the category of cyber bullying. Often people make a meme of someone's picture or post or take a screenshot of it and share it without thinking how much harm it can cause to the other person. Therefore, it is important that every person understands his responsibility and respects someone's privacy. What someone finds funny can be the most painful moment of life for another person.
Another way to avoid cyber bullying is to avoid spreading fake news and rumours. Often those people become victims of cyber bullying about whom false rumours are spread. These rumours can ruin a person's reputation and lead to social isolation. Therefore, it is always important to verify any information before sharing it. If you see lies being spread against someone, you must stand with that person and support him, so that the morale of the bully can be broken.
In many places cyber bullying is also a result of jealousy or competition, where people cannot tolerate the success of others and use negative tactics to belittle them. In such a situation, the best way is not to reply to the bully's words, but to channel your energy into some productive work. Cyber bullies often just want attention and when they are ignored they lose interest. But if someone is being too aggressive then blocking and reporting them is the best option.
Nowadays many NGOs and cyber safety organizations are working against cyber bullying whose aim is to provide people a safe online environment. If you see someone being a victim of cyber bullying, don’t just watch as a spectator but report it on the appropriate platforms. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have special reporting systems in place that monitor cases of cyber bullying and take action. Apart from this, cyber crime helplines are also available in many countries where a report can be made.
Finally, it is very important to understand that cyber bullying is a serious issue which is not just of an individual but of the whole society. It is the responsibility of every individual to play his/her part in creating a safe and positive digital environment. If every individual just thinks that he/she will not hurt anyone, will not make false accusations on anyone and will respect anyone's privacy, then the issue of cyber bullying can be reduced to a great extent. It is important to tell yourself and your friends that the internet is a powerful tool that should be used only for good, not to belittle or harass anyone.