Cyberbullying: Harming the Other in the New Age

• Our digital world provides unbridled opportunities for communication and positive interaction but also for abuse. Cyberbullying is an immensely harmful blight on the digital landscape.
• Cyberbullying includes online harassment, defamation, impersonation, exclusion, humiliation of others, rumour-mongering and harmful gossip, all of which are encouraged by the anonymity afforded by digital media.
• Cyberbullying affects victims mentally, emotionally and physically, and generates loneliness, isolation from society, fatigue and anxiety. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can lead to “bullycide.”
• Bullies and trolls often have mental health issues. Many have been the victims of bullying themselves, and have proceeded to channel their own insecurities into malice toward others.

• Cyberbullying occurs through various social media and messaging platforms, as well as via online gaming. One of the most effective ways to confront this phenomenon is simply to ignore offensive comments and messages.
• A global problem, countries around the world have implemented laws to combat cyberbullying, preserve the rights of individuals and protect victims of all ages.
• God created each of us differently, with our own stories, challenges, passions, successes and failures. Rather than celebrating these differences, some seek to exploit them to harm others.
• A truly just and equitable world requires a culture of respect and mutual understanding. An interconnected world necessitates communication standards that everyone adheres to. Sadly, we have a long way to go in meeting this global aspiration.