85% of Indian youth became victims of online harassment becoming the highest cyberbullied ratio globally. Chief Product Officer, McAfee, Gagan Singh says, "Cyber-bullying in India reaches alarming highs as more than one in three youth face cyber racism, sexual harassment and threats of physical harm as early as at the age of 10 - making India the number one nation for reported cyber-bullying in the world."
Yet another survey shows Indian teenagers are bullied twice as in other countries on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Meta, however, TiTtok remains an exception for being banned in India.
Using online social platforms and digital platforms for shaming, harassing, or threatening anyone results in cyberbullying. Irrespective of whether adults or kids, cyberbullying can bully someone in different forms including text, images, videos, responses, or discussion.
Increase in social media and digital communication usage, youth have become quite vulnerable to cyberbullying causing emotional stress, public disclosure of private affairs, and defamation. According to Experts, the privilege of being anonymous on the internet becomes the biggest reason. Trolling, sexual harassment as well personal attacks are common tactics leaving the victim in being depressed, self-doubt, isolated, and fearful.
The COVID pandemic has increased this number manyfold explains a cyberpsychologist as without knowledge of know-how and online etiquette, people tend to misuse the anonymous nature of the internet offering them the pleasure of doing whatever and not taking responsibility.
Over 900 complaints were made during the pandemic from 257 Indian cities to anti-cyberbullying platforms, statistics show.
"There should always be zero trust on the internet, no matter who you speak to, always verify and do not trust anyone blindly”, says the cyberpsychologist.
Further explaining, lack of awareness leads to cyber-bullying many times as safety provisions fail since people especially teenagers need to know the wise way of using the internet and staying safe.
What is the Government of India doing against cyberbullying?
To protect the future youth of India, the government has taken the initiative of strengthening legal provisions against online offenses. Further initiatives like complaint boxes, helplines, and cyber cells for assisting children and women who became victims of online threats have been established by the Indian government.
Seminars and campaigns for awareness among high-school students are happening religiously. It is educating them about legal provisions and combatting cyberbullying.
Protecting the youth from online bullying is a shared responsibility of law enforcement, the government, teachers, and parents. Promoting a safe online environment and responsible digital behavior is crucial for the of cyber-victims number to get lower and for youth to stay safe. If you or anyone you know has come across cyberbullying, seek help from government authorities and organizations.