Stop Cyberbullying

Your words have power—use them to uplift, not tear down. Stop cyberbullying before it destroys lives."

STOP CYBER BULLYING.
BY- Advocate Shikha Garg.

CYBERBULLYING

In legal terms, cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technologies, such as social media, websites, or messaging platforms, to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. It generally involves behavior that is intended to harm the victim, often over an extended period, and can include actions like sending hurtful messages, spreading false rumors, sharing private information without consent, or  posting humiliating or threatening content online.

Laws around cyberbullying vary by jurisdiction, but it typically involves actions that meet certain criteria, such as:

1. Harassment: Repeated and unwanted communication or actions aimed at the victim.

2. Defamation: Making false statements about someone that harm their reputation.

3. Threats: Making threats of violence or harm toward another person.

4. Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to damage their reputation or cause distress.

In many places, cyberbullying is treated as a form of harassment or stalking, which can carry legal 

consequences such as criminal charges, restraining orders, or civil lawsuits.

Some jurisdictions have specific cyberbullying laws, while in others, general laws regarding 

harassment, defamation, or emotional distress may apply.

In Haryana, as in the rest of India, cyberbullying is addressed through various provisions in national 

laws. While Haryana does not have specific state legislation targeting cyberbullying, the following 

national laws are applicable:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act):

• Section 66A: Previously criminalized sending offensive messages through communication 

services, but was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 for being unconstitutional.

• Section 66C: Addresses identity theft, including the use of someone else's identity online  without consent.

• Section 66E: Pertains to the violation of privacy, such as sharing private images without consent.

• Section 67: Deals with the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form.

Indian Penal Code (IPC):

• Section 499: Defines defamation, which can apply to false statements made online that harm an individual's reputation.

• Section 503: Pertains to criminal intimidation, including threats made via electronic communication.

• Section 507: Addresses criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, relevant in 

cases where the perpetrator hides their identity online.

3. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012:

For cases involving minors, the POCSO Act provides stringent measures against online sexual harassment and exploitation.

4. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015:

This act addresses offenses committed by juveniles, including cyberbullying, and outlines the procedures for their rehabilitation.

5. National Cyber Security Policy, 2013:

While not a law, this policy outlines the framework for protecting individuals from cyber threats, including cyberbullying.

Reporting Cyberbullying in Haryana:

Victims of cyberbullying in Haryana can report incidents to the local police station or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Additionally, the Haryana State Cyber Crime Police Station handles cybercrime cases within the state.

It's important to note that while these laws provide a framework for addressing cyberbullying, the  effectiveness of enforcement can vary. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting digital literacy are crucial steps in combating cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can stem from a variety of causes and underlying factors, which may differ based on the individual, the environment, or the broader society. Some common reasons for cyberbullying include:

1. Anonymity and Lack of Consequences

• Online anonymity: The relative anonymity that the internet provides can embolden individuals to act in ways they might not in face-to-face interactions. They may feel less  accountable for their actions.

• Perceived lack of consequences: Cyberbullies may believe that they won't be caught or face significant consequences for their behavior, especially if they are using fake accounts or hiding their identity.

2. Power and Control

• Some individuals engage in cyberbullying as a way to assert power over others. Bullying can give them a sense of control, particularly if they feel powerless in their real-life interactions.

• Social dominance: In certain environments, especially in peer groups or online communities, bullying may be used to maintain or enhance social status.

3. Revenge or Retaliation

• Cyberbullying can occur as a form of revenge when someone feels wronged, hurt, or rejected by the victim. They may use online platforms to get back at the person they feel has wronged them

• This can also happen in the context of a personal conflict or disagreement, where one party escalates the situation online.

4. Lack of Empathy

• Empathy deficit: Some bullies may not fully understand the harm they are causing or may lack empathy for their victim. The online environment can make it harder for them to perceive the emotional and psychological impact of their actions on others.

• A disconnect from the real-world consequences of their actions can make it easier to dehumanize the person being bullied.

5. Peer Pressure or Social Influence

• In some cases, individuals may engage in cyberbullying due to peer pressure or the desire to fit in with a certain group. If bullying is normalized or even encouraged in an online community or social circle, individuals may join in to be accepted.

• Group dynamics: Bullies may act in groups or as part of a collective effort to harass or harm a victim, reinforcing each other’s behavior.

6. Low Self-Esteem

• Individuals with low self-esteem or who are struggling with their own self-worth may engage in cyberbullying to feel better about themselves by belittling or putting others down. It may serve as a coping mechanism for their own insecurities.

• Bullying as a defense mechanism: Sometimes, people project their own feelings of inadequacy by trying to diminish others.

Previous Victimization

• Individuals who have been victims of bullying themselves may perpetuate the cycle of bullying. Some victims of bullying may resort to bullying others as a way of regaining a sense of control or to "take out" their frustrations.

• Trauma and emotional scars from past experiences can contribute to the desire to harm others in similar ways.

8. Desire for Attention or Validation

• Some individuals may bully others to gain attention from their peers or followers, especially on social media. Likes, shares, or comments can validate the bully’s behavior and provide a sense of popularity or acceptance.

• Seeking validation: Bullying others online can be a way to achieve attention, even if it is negative attention

Follow To See More Post Like This.

Instagram :@heealsindia.

Whatssapp: +91-7982316660
Email : communications@heeals.org
Web: www.heeals.org
Thank You!