Cyber-bullying has been a major global crisis since the invention of the internet. The targets are young children and teenagers. Cyber-bullying is bullying that take place over digital devices like cell phones, computers and tablets. This can occur through SMS, text and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in or share content.
It 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. some cyber-bulling cross the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour. The number of teens using these platforms is increasing by the minute which make it the perfect place for committing the act of bullying.
Popular social media platforms have been taking precautionary measure to cope with this challenge. Despite continued improvement in creating effective policies, it has been recorded that in 2018 around 34 percent of teens have been cyber-bullied while 15pc have admitted to bullying others.
In Pakistan, young users of social media have increased manifold for their use in leisure time and educational purposes. This has amplified their vulnerability to cyber-bulling. In most cases, parents and teachers are not aware of the risk or how it can emotionally damage the youth. It is high time that the global community comes up with effective ways to control and reduce this menace.
SIKANDAR SAJJAD MANGI
Larkana
