Introduction
Bullying refers to repeated and targeted abuse by an individual or a group. It involves physical, emotional, and verbal harm to the victim either in person or online.
Just like bullying, cyberbullying is harassing or intimidating a particular person. The only difference is that the victim is abused through cell phones, instant messaging, email, chat rooms, or social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Bullying and cyberbullying threaten students' physical and emotional safety, impacting their social and academic success in school as well.
Laws Against Cyberbullying or Bullying
Although there is no specific law in India that addresses cyberbullying, the following regulations are related to it:
Section 67 of the IT Act
Section 67 of the Information Technology Act makes posting or distributing obscene information in electronic form illegal by up to five years in prison. A fine of up to ten lakh rupees is also possible.
Section 507 IPC
This section specifies that if someone is subjected to criminal intimidation due to anonymous communication, the person making the threats can be imprisoned for up to two years. Bullying and cyberbullying are covered in this section due to the key term 'anonymous'.
Section 66 E
Section 66 E of the IT Act outlines the penalties for violating privacy. According to the law, anyone who knowingly violates the privacy of others by transmitting, recording, or publishing private photographs of others faces a sentence of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to three lakhs.
Conclusion
Bullying and cyberbullying inflict physical, emotional, and psychological harm on students. It can affect a child's self-esteem and social relationships, leading to impaired development. To end bullying, parents and teachers must encourage victims to open up. Students who witness their peers getting bullied must also take a stand to support them.
FAQs
1. What are the social and psychological ramifications of cyberbullying?
Stress, low self-esteem, and poor social relationships are all side effects of cyberbullying. Even if the bullying has stopped, cyberbullying can have long-term emotional consequences.
2. What is the short definition of cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is sending, uploading or spreading harmful material about an individual online. Sometimes, the victim's private information is distributed via text or email, causing humiliation. Other times, mean comments and messages are sent to the student's social media account.
3. What are the ramifications of cyberbullying on society?
Cyberbullying results in physical and mental torture. Victims experience sadness, loneliness, loss of self-esteem, and social anxiety.
4. What is the most effective approach for preventing bullying?
In "hot zones" where bullying occurs, teachers must increase active adult monitoring. Staff and parents must also instil bullying awareness and skills in kids, including prevention, intervention, and reporting.
5. What strategies are effective in avoiding bullying?
Parent training, increased playground supervision, educational films, and classroom management are helpful strategies to combat bullying.
