There is no dearth of online bullying cases in the world. Moreover, Hollywood and Bollywood movies have highlighted the plight of victims. Helping victims of online bullying is important. The ‘Drishyam’ movie showcased the case of online bullying. The movie highlighted the plight of a young girl and the results faced by the whole family. There are many victims who are afraid of snitching. Scared victims may not speak of the bullying faced online. So, helping online bullying victims who are afraid of snitching. Bullying is taking down, shaming, and embarrassing someone. It could lead to disaster for the victim. Online bullying can reach a large audience quickly and also harm the victim immensely. Not to mention that it follows the person wherever they go. Victims of online  bullying may find it difficult to express. Coupled with their pain and embarrassment. There are several ways to help the victims of online bullying who are afraid of snitching.

 

As per online bullying worldwide data, the online bullying of children in 2018 in various parts of the world. It was India (37%), the US (26%), and Japan (5%). As per Comparitech.com, the most online bullied in the world. are Indian children.

We rely more and more on the internet. It is evident in the post-pandemic era, more than ever. Even those living in remote towns are finding themselves online. People have been using the web for everyday tasks. Besides students and teachers, parents, and housewives have been using the online mode. Workers use the internet to conduct their duties. With more of us online, there is an increase in online bullying cases. It is essential to help online bullying victims who are afraid to snitch.

Online bullying per se is not clearly an offence. There is a need for a bigger criminal offence. A person creates a profile of somebody. And if they post some information that could affect the victim. Posing as someone else is a crime. Police authorities’ role is limited. Young people commit most of the crimes. Identically, helping online bullying victims who are afraid of snitching is very crucial.

Several studies have found that around 30% of children between the age groups of 9 and 10 are online. And 80% of children in the age groups of 14 and 16 are online all the time. Children spend an immense amount of time online. It is not easier for parents to check their activities. Bullying of children in schools is present in all schools in the world. “New wine in an old bottle,” describes online bullying in the present era. Children usually get punished if they snitch a classmate who bullies others. Helping online bullying victims who are afraid of snitching is important.

Online bullying is the usage of the internet to bully another person. Also, social media, blogs, videos, and so forth are used in online bullying. Bullying can target a particular community of individuals. Often, people use mobile phones, gaming platforms, and messengers to shame, anger, or scare the victim. Online bullying targets weak again and again. Online bullying is present in all of the countries in the world.

Online bullying can impact the health and happiness of a child. The victim may not be able to perform as well at school. Equally, there is an impact on the body of a victim. Also, the victim may lose interest in outdoor and related activities. Moreover, teachers and parents should address the problems of online bullying. Consequently, to reduce hesitation in the mind of children. There are certain differences between bullying at school and online bullying.

Anonymity: There is a lot of anonymity that the bully can have online. There are cases of fake online social media accounts. The fake accounts may have pictures of celebrities. Imposters may use their accounts to spread fake news. Also, personal information is shared with others. Bullying includes revenge porn. There are other examples like forgery, threats, and so on.

Many professionals, like teachers, and psychologists, are aware of the bullying happening online. Also, they express their concern over the effects on the victims. Many websites are dedicated to the cause of anti-bullying. Several platforms provide ways to overcome it. Students can visit the sites and read the tips. Moreover, guidelines are provided by the researchers to help people.

Aggression is the intention to harm another person. It can be through physical (hitting someone), verbal (shouting or abusing), or relational (private information about someone) means. Online bullying is a type of relational and verbal aggression. The person intends to shame or scare the victim. The culprit may threaten to release their information or spread lies.

Online bullying can be termed passive aggression on the internet. It is also called electronic harassment. naive Bullying is aggressive behaviour. It is done against a or weak person. An action is online bullying if it is repeated. It is aggressive, and occur when there is an imbalance of power.

Preventing cyberbullying and protecting oneself from online predators’ prying eyes.

• Blocking/ reporting: There are several in built safety options in online sites and applications. Privacy options are available to users. These options who provide their information online. There are options to hide the personal information. Moreover, users can show only the details which they are comfortable with. Also, report any misuse that they encounter.
• Firstly, privacy buttons are important. Users can modify and change their information to suit their needs. A person can hide their date of birth, information of family, address and so forth.
• Secondly, blocking buttons are crucial. A user could face any kind of misuse of data. Likewise, abuse from a fellow internet user. And the person can block the abuser’s online account. It stops another person from accessing personal information. It is beneficial for new users. Moreover, to make use of settings and parameters available online. It can help them to protect their interest.

• NCERT has made guidelines. They are focusing on training teachers. To help them use technology into classrooms. Teachers and instructors should be trained to deal with online bullying. There should be an option available to the students. So that they can share their experience of online bullying. Stories and experiences could be shared. Experiences with their concerned teachers. There are experts assigned by the authorities.
• Student counselling and case studies from teachers should be shared. And case studies can be presented in seminars and conferences. Also, it can enhance awareness.
• Online crime reporting portal is used to report the crime. There are many provisions available. And people could use them to report a cyber crime. They can report cases of forgery, and related crimes.
• Any report should be taken seriously. Complaints made to parents, and schools should be given priority. Children may report their experience to elders. It is responsibility of people to take each case with caution. And care to not reveal the identity of the victim. Usually people may not want to come forward because of shame and embarrassment. Victims may be scared of further abuse by the society at large. Each Online bullying case should be dealt without compromising the well-being of the victim.

Research suggests several programs help online bullying victims. Furthermore, school authorities could implement the school programs. For instance, the Olweus Bullyin Prevention Program (OBPP). These programs may be beneficial. They can reduce negative attitudes. But they may not reduce the number of times bullying behaviour.

Preventive measures may not be enough to tackle the problem of online bullying. The victims should not hide in shame. Bullies should face the consequences of their actions.

The self-help course, ‘Coping with Bullying for Teens‘ provides guidelines to deal with stress faced by the victims of bullying. It provides steps for the victim to deal with the traumatic experience of online bullying.