Internet is a very interesting place, especially as you grow your experience, you’ll find the network is virtually endless. It brings an enormous amount of knowledge and experience to your device with a click of a button. There are virtually no geographical boundaries and borders. One can have a world of information in fingertips. It certainly is one of the biggest inventions of humankind.
In contrast, it may sound strange to those of us who are not aware of the dark side of the online world, that the “Internet” can be a curse in one’s life, relations, and family. Criminals, abusers, bullies, and people with malicious intentions have been using this channel and use its anonymity as a limitless power. What you post on the internet, it is not necessary that all are there for good reason and interested in supporting your progress. Harassers, bullies can use this as an opportunity and channel to lash out negative comments and feedback to you and turn your social-economic, emotional, and mental wellbeing upside down with their unthoughtful narcissism.
A lot of people (celebrities and normal) have fallen victim to bullying on the internet, aka, Cyberbullying. And in some cases, the consequences have been catastrophic and fatal too. Everyone even people like you and I could be subjected to cyber-bullying.
You can stop the cyberbullying you are facing!
Kids and millennials are now so dependent on the internet and internet-connected devices and services, they are an easy target for an internet crime, internet bullies, and predators. The buck doesn’t stop there, even peers and so-called friends can be hiding behind the proxy of the internet or fake profile and direct vile and hateful comments towards you.
Our children are the first generation of digital citizens and often, their posts and online actions make them easy targets for bullies and predators. It is important to provide necessary guidance and support on safe consumption of the internet but also how to handle adverse and negative confrontations or hate directed at them via this channel.
Are you aware of cyberbullying? Having said that, there are still many kids and parents who do not believe in monitoring their kids online.
Below are our 5 finger rules to help you
1. Select your friends and network wisely and carefully. Be aware, Be Safe, and Be Responsible. Ignore and block strangers and their requests to connect. Never be too quick to accept a request. Don’t fall for the glamour of a profile. Watch out for the 'Wolf in the Sheep’s skin'. Furthermore, never share your personal and private data, such as Mobile Number, E-mail, addresses, etc.
2. Think before you share: It is not only about keeping your personal information private, but you need to think twice before you post anything online, especially on social media. Make use of security and privacy settings to protect and lock your profile to only those who you allow. This will significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to internet bullying and your posts and pictures being manipulated.
3. Never react: Keep Calm and Ignore, Delete and Block the bullies. Never associate your emotions to any vile or hurtful comments/feedback – that’s exactly what they want, disturb, and play with your emotions.
4. Remember the power in your hand. If you are being humiliated or bullied or provoked remember Rule number 3 above and act on it – Block, Disconnect and Report the individual and profile. If they still find a way, talk to your parents and use available help from law and enforcement.
How To Report:
Nepal Police Cyber Crime Bureau, Kathmandu - cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np
Call - 014219044, +977 9851286770
UK Police - Report online (met.police.uk) or call 101
National Bullying Helpline - 0300 323 0169
5. Build your circle of trust and talk to them. Remember, anyone at any given point can face internet bullying and harassment. To help you disconnect, distress, and provide help and support you need your network of trusted people – People who understand you and help you navigate through such situations and act as your strength. This network can be comprised of your parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and peers, etc.
Contact - info@stupa.io
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