Prevention is better than cure. Stop cyberbullying while in the early stages.
Imagine this. Your friend posted something on social media. You commented, agreeing with your friend or presenting a different perspective. Suddenly, someone you do not know or not even a social media contact of your friend replied to your comment and “trash-talked” you.
Ever since the dawn of social media, we have become so excited that it has become a noisy platform where everyone has a say about anything and everything. People have found their newfound voice on the internet and some has used it to its full extent. But things have gone out of hand. Many have abused the power and the reach of social media that it has become an unsafe place for others.
With every bit of information you post on social media, it’s like you are peeling the walls of your home and replacing it with see-through glass windows, allowing others to see your every move, even your deepest thoughts and emotions.
Before I get into what cyberbullying is all about, allow me to share my personal take on social media. As a blogger, people may expect me to use the internet, particularly the social network, to my full capacity. I must admit that I may have posted things without thinking, out of the height of emotion. But with news about cyberbullying, cybertheft and other cybercrimes, I try to be more careful with what I put out there.
I often remind myself to regard it like a school or community bulletin board. If I post something on my wall, am I willing the same to post it on a community bulletin board with my name on it? I may have full control of my social media accounts, and I have the liberty to put whatever I want on my wall. But I also am accountable for whatever I post to the public.
Now, have you experienced cyberbullying?
What is cyberbullying?
StopBullying.gov states that “Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.” It may occur with the use of cell phones, tablets, computers or digital gadgets. Common platforms of cyberbullying are social media, website comments section, forums, emails, gaming, or online venue where the public can access and participate, or it may happen in mobile apps, text, SMS or instant messaging features.
Cyberbullying is an act that aims to threaten, scare, hurt or embarrass another person through electronic hostility. Cyberbullies appear mean by harassing, extorting or sending out suggestive messages or hate talk.
Since anonymity is commonplace in the digital arena, people are more brazen to take bullying into the cyberspace. Trolls and bashers have become widespread, as much as there are more scarred humans who have become victims of their vitriol. In fact, US-based social media management platform Hootsuite reported on its “Digital in 2018” that the Philippines has 67 million users online that are all active on social media. The widespread use of the internet has given rise to the emergence of online and internet-related crimes like theft, rape, piracy and bullying, which have placed the public, particularly the youth, vulnerable to such attacks.
We have to take our act in combatting cyberbullying. Purveyor of a digital lifestyle, Globe Telecom, has come up with its #makeITsafePH campaign on cybersecurity and cyberwellness to educate their consumers and the general public of online threats so that they can be prepared and avoid becoming a victim. Similarly, the campaign tackles proper online etiquette to orient people how they avoid the pitfall of becoming a source of such deplorable behavior.
How to prevent or stop cyberbullying?
There are many ways to prevent or stop cyberbullying. I’m sharing a few that might help nip things in the bud.
Be an example
Stay in your lane and take the high road. If there is anything that irritates you, avoid the internet. Don’t pour out your emotions there or do something that you will regret afterwards. Remember, diplomacy is key. And if you are posting something that is directed to one person or only a few, others may read it, too, and misinterpret it. Don’t start anything. Whatever you do, others may do the same or may use it against you. Before you click “post” read whatever you want to put out 10 times or more. Be a source of positivity and not negativity. Know proper internet etiquette and observe them. Bottomline is, be a good example.
Privacy settings
Screen things that you want to go public. Be careful of accepting contact requests from someone you don’t know. Put layers in your privacy settings. If it’s something for the family, just keep it within the family. Don’t reveal too much, such as your relationships. Don’t inform everyone your whereabouts, only your direct family. It’s a challenge for me as a travel blogger. Sometimes, I delay posting images of my trips for security reasons. Imagine a complete stranger going through your social media wall. Will there be anything that that stranger may use it against you? Don’t announce everything to the world. Not that the world will not care, but you may be revealing too much that may endanger you in the future.
Take notice and monitor online activities
If you have children or teens living with you, be sure to monitor their online activities. Notice any unusual behavior. Such instances occur because adults living with a cyberbully or its victim have not paid so much attention that they are unaware something’s amiss. Talk to them and find out if they are bothered by something.
Do not engage or retaliate
If you stumble into a cyberbully, do not engage or retaliate. Not only will you feed more into that person but sometimes, in a fit of anger, you might end up becoming a cyberbully as well. There are cyber bullies who crave the attention. Don’t give them that. Don’t think yourself any better than them, or else you will fall into their trap. Take precaution and take the necessary action.
Keep evidence and report the matter
Take a screenshot. If you see anything unusual, save a copy of it. Cyberbullies can take down something and pretend nothing happened. But the harm has been done. Report any crime, threat or damage done to the proper authorities. Let the experts handle the matter. Don’t just keep it to yourself. If you need help, ask for it. If you see someone needs help, reach out.
As much as the cyberspace is a rich repository of data and good means of communication, things happen in this environment. Do your part to make it safe. Be conscious of your actions online and help spread the word. Share this post. You don’t know who you can help by helping educate them. If you have additional tips, please leave them in the comments section below.