Cyberbullying: Growing menace that’s putting lives at risk

It is no news that the increase in science and technology has spurred developments, especially in internet utilization. The internet, which was initially hailed as a revolutionary tool for global connectivity and knowledge sharing, has also become a breeding ground for cyberbullying. 

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the threat of cyberbullying looms larger, putting the lives of millions of people, especially children and teenagers, at risk as social media which is the most influential means at which individuals meet, interact and stay in touch with one another, but now become a space not just for interaction,rather for bullying and making people feel less of themself. Several damaging activities frequently occur on social media, such as the spread of deception, fraud and cyber-bullying.

The statistics are alarming. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) one in six young people across 44 countries were said to be victims of cyberbullying, with a slightly higher percentage  among girls and many more cases going underreported.

Meanwhile the causes of cyberbullying are not ferfetched as people who lack empathy or had social pressures like desire for likes and comments often engage in the online bully and it’s consequences is severe and devastating, ranging from emotional trauma and social isolation to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that we take a closer look at the growing menace of cyberbullying and explore ways to prevent. 

Research shows that over 500 social media posts, 66 instances were identified of cyberbullying, online harassment, and misogynistic content targeting women as bullying occurs more amongst adolescents than adults; the reverse seems to be the case in Nigeria. More often than not, the people being bullied online in Nigeria are adults and more evident with celebrities.

Reports revealed that although overall bullying rates had remained steady and instances of cyberbullying—such as sending derogatory messages or sharing unauthorised videos or images online—had risen as many Nigerians bully themselves for fun.

Targeted Solutions to put an end to this are;Using blocking software and online reporting tools, to prevent and address cyberbullying, develop and implement comprehensive cyberbullying policies,increase funding for cyberbullying research and preventions.

What The Law Says on Cyberbullying

In Nigeria, the occurrence of cyber-bullying has little or no recorded effect on individuals who have been bullied. In other words, people who have been bullied online have not exactly made an official report or at best, the reports are not as much. 

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that Nigerians have a right to express themselves, a right to hold opinions, receive and communicate ideas and information without intrusion. 

The Constitution provides that where there is a new law made contrary to this provision, the law will not be invalidated as long as it was made to protect public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of defending the rights and freedom of other persons  which means that the law recognizes that there will be an abuse of the exclusive right to expression.

The Cyber Crimes Act is a little more specific with regard to online bullying. It states thus:

24(1) any person who knowing sends a message to other matter by means of computer systems or network that is a) is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be so sent; or (b) he knows to be false, for the  purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another: commits an offence under this act shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

It also states that in section 24(2) that any person who intentionally transmits or causes the transmission of any communication through a computer system or network, to bully, threaten or harass another person, where such communication places another person in fear of death, violence or bodily harm or to another person is liable to a conviction for a term of 10 years or minimum of N 25,000,000.00.

However, the laws available in Nigeria regarding bullying are encouraging. Preferably more specific and detailed, to help individuals become clear and aware of their rights when they are being bullied. It is one thing to have an opinion, it’s another to know that one has crossed the line. Freedom of expression does not translate to freedom to humiliate people.