Youth in peril: Cyberbullying in Bangladesh

Representational Image. Photo: Collected

The rise in internet usage in Bangladesh has been meteoric. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the number of internet users in the country reached 131 million at the end of December 2023, including nearly 7 million new users in the last year. With this surge in digital connectivity, incidents of cybercrimes have also escalated.

According to the report "Bangladesh Cyber Crime Trend 2023" by the Cybercrime Awareness Foundation (CAF), cyberbullying accounted for 52.21% of all reported online crimes in 2022. These cases involved activities such as pornography, indecent messaging, and abusive posts on social media. 

This percentage was 59.90% in 2017. Despite this decline, cyberbullying remains the top reported cybercrime, highlighting its ongoing prevalence and the need for continued efforts to address it.

Cyberbullying is defined as aggressive acts or behaviours carried out using digital platforms such as social media, messaging apps, and online forums to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals. 

It involves covert actions such as teasing, exclusion, social rejection, and spreading rumours. Digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets facilitate these actions, allowing people to view, participate in, or share content.

According to research by Kids Helpline Australia, cyberbullying is most commonly observed during the transition from primary school to high school, persisting throughout adolescence. This group of young individuals is especially vulnerable due to their early exposure to the internet and limited understanding of digital skills.

The consequences of cyberbullying are far-reaching and devastating. Victims often suffer from severe psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, and vengefulness. In addition to psychological effects, cyberbullying has social and academic consequences. Victims frequently face isolation from peers, absenteeism, and declining academic performance. Sometimes, they may also resort to alcohol or drug addiction.

A recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) highlighted that 40% of cyberbullying victims reported experiencing significant mental health issues. The worst effect of such public embarrassment is that it often leads to suicidal attempts. Victims may choose the path of suicide to escape the humiliation, posing an extreme psychological hazard. 

Given the devastating impact on social and mental health, it is essential to know how to protect oneself and seek help if one becomes a victim. When dealing with cyberbullying, it's crucial to document all incidents by saving screenshots of messages or posts and noting the date and time when they occurred. This documentation is essential for reporting the issue effectively. 

Next, cyberbullying should be reported to the platform or website where it occurred. They typically have policies against bullying and may take action against the perpetrator, such as suspending their account.

Blocking the person responsible can also help stop further communication and reduce the immediate impact. Most social media platforms and messaging apps provide options to block users. If you're experiencing cyberbullying, seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a counsellor. Their guidance and understanding can be invaluable during such challenging times.

In serious cases, consider reporting the cyberbullying to authorities. Victims can file a report at a local police station, providing all documented evidence. Additionally, contacting dedicated hotlines like those at the Police Headquarters or the "Cyber Police Centre, CID, Bangladesh Police" on Facebook can provide further assistance.

For legal recourse, victims can pursue civil action against the perpetrator to seek compensation for emotional distress and harm to their reputation caused by cyberbullying. This can be pursued under applicable laws such as the Penal Code 1860 for criminal intimidation and other relevant statutes.

In conclusion, while the rapid expansion of internet usage in Bangladesh has exposed many to the risks of cyberbullying, significant steps have been taken to address this pervasive issue. Government initiatives, including enhanced awareness campaigns and improved implementation of preventive measures, have contributed to the decline in reported cyberbullying cases. 

However, cyberbullying continues to be a critical concern, particularly impacting vulnerable young people during their transition to high school and throughout adolescence.

It will take ongoing work to sustain and expand upon these achievements. Bangladesh can continue to lessen the negative effects of cyberbullying and ensure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone by cultivating a culture of digital responsibility and awareness, encouraging online empathy and digital literacy, and offering robust support systems for victims. 

Arju Manara Begum is a Research Associate at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM)
 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.