There are ways in which we can tackle cyber-bullying

May 06, 2020 Letters

Dear Editor,

I know Guyanese are occupied currently with all things elections, but as a previous target of cyber-bullying, I would appreciate the opportunity to share some observations and advice related to the issue with your readers. As the use of the Internet grows, cyber-bullying and cybercrime are inevitably on the rise. The longer we take to fix the problem, the greater the consequences are. First, however, we need to understand, harassment is harassment, whether it is done person to person or whether from behind the veil of the Internet via social media.
Sadly, in Guyana, online bullying is somewhat downplayed. Victims are either stigmatized or people are unwilling to accept that victims can be seriously hurt by this behaviour. I speak from experience when I say that Internet harassment and libel is not only real and damaging, but it also represents a threat to the most vulnerable among us.
Cyber-bullying statistics collected from an independent research done by The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications, examines the high cost of online harassment. From increased depression and suicide rates to social anxiety and alienation, the pain and consequences of online harassment and libel are as severe as they are undeniable. However for Guyana, research in this area is very much lacking, and as such, reliance has to be personal anecdotal experiences and the experiences of friends, family and associates for information gathering and data analysis. Today’s cyber-attacks are changing, an evolving spectrum moving from commercial and governmental to individual victimizations.

I want to highlight a few key ways you can deal with personal cyber-bullies:
1. Ignore and do not respond—more often than not, those who attack people online do it for the rush that comes with the shock and the response. Those who really matter to you know the truth, or will try to get it from you if they are unsure.
2. Gather your proof—screenshots, recordings, videos and writings. For the proof to hold any worth, they must mention your name and be directed towards you. Save this proof, it will come in handy, in the future. It is evidence for your arguments. Usually, when a cyber bully is exposed for their lies, they exhibit a tendency to disappear, only to resurface later, after rethinking their responses and strategies. Also, make hard copies, inclusive of the date, and time stamps.
3. Also, gather as much information possible on the bully’s personal data. While many cyber-bullies like to use fake names, many do not. Try to get their full name, telephone number, and address, if possible.
4. If you are taking the route of criminal charges, take the evidence gathered to your nearest police station, requesting to make an official report under the current cyber-crime legislation.
5. If you are going the civil route, contact your lawyer and have them send a lawyer’s letter with a stern warning to the individual/s. Their libelous contents, if not found criminal, can still be fought within the civil courts of Guyana.
6. Garner support from your family, friends, and within your networks. Genuine support is a necessity during this period. Therapy and counseling are also recommended, especially in severe cases.
7. Follow up your reports with the relevant authorities. Do not waver, be stern and steady and see your course of action through. Any hesitation will likely see the person resuming the harassment but with more careful strategy.
8. Finally, continue to be a more successful, amazing, beautiful, better version of you! The object of cyber-bullying is to break you down, and so nothing defeats a bully’s purpose more than you achieving the opposite.
These are lessons that I had to learn the hard way, but as a survivor, I have healed and am ready to spread awareness and hope.
Yours truly,
Umadevi Bux

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There are ways in which we can tackle cyber-bullying

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