Cyber laws needed
I think that there should be strict cyber laws to stop online bullying. All people have their own respect, their dignity and their own rights. We must give respect to teenagers and others who are older as well those who are also dealing with harsh commentary. Everyone should be responsible and protect families, brothers, sisters, friends, relatives and people in the community. Everyone must be responsible for social activities, heritage and culture, too! Everyone must use technology and innovation in good manner. We should not misuse the technology to harm ourselves and our community. For example, we have a knife at home that we use to cut vegetables; we should not use it for harming, threatening and any other negative activities. To me, I see no difference – it is all harmful.
Cyberbullying is a crime. It has led to people committing suicide and we have noticed such activities in parts of our world already. So, I am in favour of taking legal action.
From Mr Arjun Dahal
Dubai
I was cyberbullied
I would like to thank Gulf News for focusing on the topic of cyberbullying as part of the Facebook debate, which has immense relevance to the well being and security of young people, especially girls. The youth of today are the so-called ‘connected generation’. The cyber world is evolving with each passing moment and while it has immense benefits, it is fraught with risks as well. The biggest threat comes in the form of cyberbullying and its derivative - cyberstalking.
As a teenager who networks extensively with youth across the world, I have been a victim of cyberbullying. It started with anonymous mails with slanderous content that were sent to my contacts. It then took a more serious turn with threats of violence. The issue here is that as a layperson, I don’t have the means or resources to track down the perpetrator. Thus it is imperative that there should an international legal system in place, which will safeguard the rights of net users irrespective of their location. There should be a greater level of transparency and checks in place for net users so that the veil of anonymity isn’t misused by certain individuals. It is also very important to openly speak up about the menace of cyberbullying and not take it lying down. At the end of the day, all bullies are cowards and if confronted, they scurry away.
From Ms Kehkashan Basu
Dubai
A serious danger
The cyber world has been both a blessing and a curse to the generations of online users. Cyberbullying, unfortunately, is an aspect of that curse. Research shows that more than fifty per cent of teenagers have experienced at least one episode of online cyberbullying. However, these are not as frequently reported to an adult as they should be. Cyberbullying does not only involve recurrent mean messages or hurtful rumours, but it can also include threatening messages, impersonating individuals and stealing information from their accounts. Cyberbullying has been shown to increase low self-esteem in a child or teenager and increase their thoughts of suicide. Bearing all of this in mind, the severity of cyberbullying may be enough to press for legal action.
From Dr Thoraiya Kanafani
Dubai
Create policy
Cyber bullying needs to be brought to light through legal action. The whole world is after the technology boom. Hence, it is easy for the culprits to utilise the chance. I strongly believe that each country should be involved in streamlining the cyber cell policy and fight for society.
From Mr Laxman Kannamkulath
UAE
Make this world better
Cyberbullying is already reaching a very serious point in many parts of the world! My question is, why does it need to be anonymous? Once all such applications including Facebook have most of our details, then why can’t cyberbullying be handled in a legal way? There must be strict laws and once it is applied on a few people, it will reduce.
Everyone, either woman or man, has the right to be respected and such racist and judgemental comments are not helping in making this already terrorised world a better place to live in. Live and let others live.
From Mr Mohammad Nizamuddin
UAE
Bullying exists online
With the advancements in digital technology, cyberbullying has emerged as one of the disadvantages that have robbed many teenagers of their self confidence. Akin to bullying in the real world, the biggest worry of cyberbullying for the victim is that the culprit can stalk the teenager’s online life. They post comments on others’ blogs and target female players in game rooms and in chatrooms.
Cyberbullying is a result of the culprit’s wicked intentions to disturb the victim’s life and also because bullies do experience inferiority complex and thus carry out such acts to express their anger or frustration. Since cyberbullying is a real issue and must be dealt with to promote a safer and peaceful society, the general public or the concerned authorities must press for legal action. I think that a website should be formed where people are dedicated to solving the issues of cyberbullying and act like an online police to provide a safer online environment for those who have to suffer.
From Mr Mohammad Omar Iftikhar
Karachi, Pakistan
It doesn’t go away
Cyberbullying is happening on both a personal level as well as a professional level. It is certainly not acceptable and should have legal consequences. Innocent people have no chance to defend themselves as the attacker hides in anonymity. It causes emotional and financial distress and leads to direct or indirect major health problems. It does not go away by ignoring it. There should be instant national protection and possibility for an international follow up in cases of bullying.
From Ms Ellen Kruijning
UAE
Trauma not visible
It is a rather predominant situation in this era and it is an absolute zero tolerance issue. Any type of harassment portrays the society’s muddle and must have a legalised answer. It is disturbing that laws against cyberbullying are still being challenged in courts rather than readily approved. Those involved in such heinous acts are unimpeded by the geographical boundaries. Many victims have been mentally traumatised and have hushed themselves with hidden fears. Mostly considered as a fun act among teenagers, people don’t realise the dire effects on those affected. Elders should have a watchful eye over such matters. While approaching law enforcement, the individual should be ready to provide all the details and not be hesitant. However, this is only possible with the moral support of family and friends.
From Ms Juby Jacob
Dubai
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