Date: Sunday, 13 October 2024
Author: Queennette Esse Odudu
Country: United States of America
SUMMARY
A dark shadow creeps into the vastness of the digital world, endangering millions of people's security and well-being. Cyberbullying, a deadly scourge of the twenty-first century, has spread throughout society and affected people of all ages, particularly the most vulnerable young people. Because of the anonymity provided by the internet, offenders are free to act and say in ways that are caustic and cause lifelong harm. The prevalence of social media platforms and ongoing technological advancements have increased the reach and impact of cyberbullying, making it an urgent issue that must be addressed. It's time to take on this digital monster head-on and investigate creative fixes to build a more secure and caring online community.
BACKGROUND
Understanding Cyberbullying: A Global Perspective
Cyberbullying is the bullying that happens through digital devices such as phones or computers. It often happens over social media, text, email, instant messages, and gaming. Sometimes this content is shared anonymously, making cyberbullying feel even more threatening. Given the broad definition of cyberbullying, numbers and statistics around it can sometimes vary wildly. There are also different interpretations of what it really is, and most studies rely on victims self-reporting instances of bullying committed against them. We were all children once, and we know that a lot of kids don’t resort to telling on their bullies in fear of further harm. All those factors create discrepancies in cyberbullying statistics. The bottom line though is that cyberbullying is quickly becoming a major problem in our society.
Cyberbullying is also known as cyber stalking. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 of Nigeria defines cyber stalking as any conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Cyberbullying is becoming more common in Nigeria, particularly on social media platforms. Common forms of cyberbullying include posting indecent imagery, such as naked pictures or videos, to humiliate victims. However, there has been no significant enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act in Nigeria, indicating that the lack of prosecution of offenders has fostered the act. The absence of image rights is also a precursor to some forms of cyberbullying, especially when photographs and videos of victims are involved. Unlike traditional bullying, which typically ends when the bully and the victim are not in the same physical space, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and reach a vast audience quickly.
Cyberbullying is a growing issue globally, with studies in Sweden, Finland, America, Italy, England, and Spain indicating its prevalence. In Nigeria, the availability of data to validate the prevalence and degree of cyberbullying poses a challenge due to the lack of data. Empirical research has shown that 50% of undergraduate students are aware of cyberbullying incidents, and 80% of respondents have witnessed or been victimized through cyberbullying from different social media platforms. In-school adolescents in Benin, Edo State, have been found to have a significant impact on their self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy. In a study investigating bullying and cyberbullying prevalence among 150 students, 56% of respondents have either been cyberbullied or cyberbullied others. Despite the lack of decided cases by courts in Nigeria, the occurrence of cyberbullying is not negated, as evidenced by various studies and empirical research
In the United States, cyberbullying is a significant concern, particularly among young people. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online, with 30% having experienced it more than once. The rise of social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok has created new avenues for bullying, with harmful content spreading rapidly and reaching a wide audience.
In sixteen surveys conducted since 2002, researchers have polled more than 35,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in the US. Because the questionnaires were conducted online, the data collected is not representative. Nonetheless, to ensure validity and dependability, the most recent studies used random samples drawn from well-known groups. Roughly thirty percent of the teenagers polled said they have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives. Low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, rage, frustration, and other emotional and psychological issues are linked to cyberbullying. It is also connected to other real-world problems like delinquency, antisocial behaviour, drug abuse, and troubles in schools. Bullying that takes place in person still occurs more frequently than bullying that occurs online, and the two are closely connected.
Why Is Cyberbullying Getting Worse?
Cyberbullying is worsening due to the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, socialization, and entertainment. The anonymity of the internet allows bullies to target and harass others without revealing their true identities, leading to more aggressive behavior. The lack of face-to-face interaction reduces empathy, making it easier for bullies to harm others without fully understanding the impact of their actions. Viral sharing allows information to spread rapidly, increasing the intensity of cyberbullying and leaving victims feeling more helpless. Lack of awareness and education about cyberbullying signs can result in delayed intervention or unintentional enabling of harmful behavior. Inadequate legal and policy frameworks also contribute to the problem. The evolving nature of technology, from anonymous messaging apps to live-streaming services, makes it challenging to establish and maintain effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Impacts of Cyberbullying
The effects of cyberbullying can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may experience a range of emotional and psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. The anonymity provided by digital platforms often emboldens bullies, making it harder for victims to identify their tormentors or seek help. Cyberbullying can bring up various emotions from the victim, but the most common response is to feel angry. Over half of teens who have experienced cyberbullying felt resentment towards their bully, while about a third felt hurt. 15 percent of them felt. Cyberbullying also affects how a victim feels about themselves. Two-thirds of cyberbullying victims said that getting bullied online had a negative impact on how they felt about themselves, bringing up feelings of insecurity and low self-worth. Lastly, studies show that cyberbullying can have lasting mental, physical, and social impacts. Nearly a third of cyberbullying victims said the incidents affected their friendships, whereas 13 percent said it affected their physical
Cultural Factors Influencing Cyberbullying in Nigeria
Cyberbullying in Nigeria is influenced by various cultural factors, including respect for authority and age, fear of speaking out, collectivism and individualism, traditional gender roles and expectations, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, privacy perception, and traditional values vs. modern technology. These factors can lead to a complex landscape of cyberbullying in Nigeria, where minors may be hesitant to report cyberbullying perpetrated by peers or older individuals due to cultural norms. Additionally, Nigerians may be more vulnerable to cyberbullying due to limited access to technology and online resources. Cultural perceptions of privacy may differ, making some individuals more susceptible to cyberbullying. The rapid adoption of modern technology can also clash with traditional values, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings that may fuel cyberbullying. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for developing culturally sensitive interventions and support systems to effectively combat cyberbullying among Nigerian minors.
Are there government policies on ground in Nigeria?
Nigeria has taken significant legislative strides in addressing cyberbullying, notably through Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015. This Act, designed to combat various cyber-related offenses, includes provisions specifically targeting cyberbullying to protect individuals, particularly minors, from online harassment and abuse. The Act covers a broad spectrum of cyber crimes, encompassing cyberstalking, identity theft, fraud, and more. While it does not explicitly define cyberbullying, its provisions related to harassment and false information apply to cyberbullying cases. Penalties for cyberbullying can include fines and imprisonment, with Section 24 of the Act outlining penalties for sending false information with harmful intent. Recognizing minors' vulnerability online, the Act provides measures to safeguard their rights and prevent exploitation. Law enforcement agencies are empowered to investigate and prosecute cyberbullying cases, supported by provisions allowing the collection of electronic evidence.
However, these policies are not implemented, and many people are unaware of them. These laws which seem to address the problem are not specifically designed for the school environment where the problem (cyber bullying) occurs largely. The laws are directed to public where many do not recognize the harm it does to our youths. Government departments at provincial and national level have important role to play in monitoring schools and their implementation of the various policies. Communication between school members results in active collaboration and a coordinated approach to problems. All hope is not lost. All hands should be on deck to ensure this problem will not get out of hand day by day.
What should be done?
As Cyberbullying continues to grow in Nigeria, with many victims not reporting it. To prevent it, raising awareness and educating people about the problem and technology is crucial. Governments should monitor online service providers and ensure policies are fully implemented, allowing them to review their design and features to identify potential misuse. Governments should establish precise reporting mechanisms, provide resources and help for victims, and fund NGOs to address cyberbullying. Likewise, workplace policies should be established to address cyberbullying and educate employees through training. Organizations should enforce policies and investigate complaints. Individualized interventions for youths affected by cyberbullying should be developed to resolve conflicts and mitigate negative consequences. A whole school approach is appropriate, involving all relevant roles and raising awareness about the importance of addressing this issue. Parents should be involved in their children's online activities, ensuring their child feels safe and secure.
Governments should also improve legal safeguards against cyberbullying, including explicit legislation that defines cyberbullying, outlines its repercussions, and holds perpetrators accountable. Law enforcement authorities require training to handle cyberbullying situations delicately and effectively. Advocating for stricter legislation can assist in reducing crime and guarantee that victims receive justice.
REFERENCES
Adegbiji, A. A. (2018). Cybercrime and the Nigeria's Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015: The quagmire and the remedy. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies, 3(6), 172-192.
Austin Davies, “What Are the Real-Life Effects of Cyberbullying?” https://clearforkacademy.com/blog/what-are-the-real-life-effects-of-cyberbullying/ accessed September 6, 2024
Bamgbose, O. J., & Ogunfowokan, A. O. (2021). Cyberbullying and the Nigeria's Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. European Journal of Science and Technology, 11(3), 214-224.
Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Cyberbullying Research Centre, “Cyberbullying Continues to Rise among Youth in the United States” https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-continues-to-rise-among-youth-in-the-united-states-2023 accessed September 4, 2024
Rod McNair, “Bullying: Why Is It Getting Worse?” https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2022/september/bullying-why-is-it-getting-worse accessed September 3, 2024.
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