Cyber Bullying – A Preventable Menace

During these unprecedented times when increased digital users inevitable by students as they are homebound, stressed out and even bored, a concurrent increase in cases of cyberbullying is alarming. Although cyberbullying has been around for a long time in past one year, it has increased drastically and is even being used by some children as an opportunity to create some fun and excitement in their otherwise dull daily life. 

If anyone is facing harassment, offensive name-calling, intimidating, taunting, demeaning or rumours, then first of all please realize that you are a victim of cyberbullying and you need not tolerate it and you can stop it by taking up a stand. 

How to react to cyberbullying – 

 No reaction is the best reaction. Do not reply to any comment or post.
Block or mute cyberbullies.
Keep an offline record of bullying including chat screenshots, email printouts, even the fake names, etc.
Do not suffer alone. Share it with your parents and teachers or any trusted adult. 
Spend less time on the internet. Find other ways to have fun in the real world.

How to prevent Cyberbullying -

Don’t forward any type of bullying messages.
Don’t share personal information of any kind.
Never share your passwords with anyone.
Never post or text anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing with others.
Don’t post anything when you are angry or upset. You may regret it later. Treat people the way you’d want to be treated

Mind your cyber activity. Click and post less pictures and videos. Click less on unknown links, free downloads, suspicious sites, posts that offer you huge discounts, images and posts that are not useful. All these can be potential traps. Act smart and keep safe. Keep yourself updated with latest news about cyber safety by following - #staysafeonline, #cybersafeIndia, #cyberdost, #onlinesafety, #cybersecurity, #rakshittandon on social media platforms.