KUALA LUMPUR – Cyberbullying is a growing concern in Malaysia. The widespread use of social media platforms has made it easier for bullies to target individuals, leaving victims vulnerable to threats, defamation and psychological harm. There have been increasing reports of online harassment leading to serious consequences, including self-harm and suicide.
The death of Malaysian TikTok user Rajeswary Appahu, who died by suicide on July 5, 2024 after facing online threats, has prompted the government to consider criminalising cyberbullying and enhancing internet service providers’ accountability.1
In 2023, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recorded 3,199 complaints related to cyberbullying, and of these, 2,971 or 93% have been addressed and closed.2
What is Cyberbullying?
According to StopBullying.gov, cyberbullying involves harassment or bullying through digital devices like smartphones, computers, or tablets. It can take place via SMS, texts, apps, or online platforms such as social media, forums, or gaming environments where people can view, engage with, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or spreading harmful, false, or malicious content about others. It may also involve sharing personal or private details that lead to embarrassment or humiliation. In some cases, cyberbullying may escalate to illegal or criminal activity.
Common platforms for cyberbullying include:
- Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok
- Text messaging and mobile messaging apps
- Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chats
- Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards such as Reddit
- Online gaming communities
What Can Parents Do?
The digital landscape is constantly changing with the emergence of new social media platforms, apps, and devices, and children and teens are often the first to adopt them. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to negative behaviours like cyberbullying, sexting, sharing hateful messages, or engaging in harmful group conversations. If your child posts harmful content online, it could not only hurt others but also tarnish their own online reputation, potentially affecting entry into institutions of higher learning and future employment.
According to StopBullying.gov, although it is difficult to monitor all of your child’s activities, there are steps you can take to prevent cyberbullying and protect them from harmful online behaviour:
- Keep an eye on their social media accounts, apps, and browsing history if you suspect cyberbullying.
- Review and adjust your child’s phone location and privacy settings.
- Follow or have a trusted adult follow your child on social media.
- Stay informed about the latest apps, platforms and digital slang used by teens.
- Know your child’s usernames and passwords for email and social media accounts.
- Set clear rules about proper online behaviour, content and app usage.
What Can Schools Do?
Strategies that encourage respect and positive relationships in the classroom can help prevent bullying. When students feel empowered to report bullying to adults, build positive relationships, and commit to avoiding bullying behaviours, they contribute to a positive peer culture, which in turn strengthens the overall school environment and reduces bullying.
Teachers can:
- Collaborate with students to establish rules that foster respect and responsibility.
- Teach students how to safely stand up for others and advocate for them.
- Integrate anti-bullying lessons into age-appropriate activities such as literature, videos, drama, role-playing, music, debates, workshops and group projects. Early childhood activities can include puppets and dolls, while older students might engage in interactive games where they can role-play.
- Address bullying before it happens by initiating discussions and teaching critical thinking skills.
- Seize opportunities within the curriculum and daily activities to promote inclusivity, positive attitudes and proactive behaviors.
All school staff can:
- Use positive language, focusing on desired behaviours rather than prohibitions.
- Act as positive role models.
- Promote cooperation and reinforce school rules and good behaviour for students.
- Show respect to students and encourage their success.
- Make expectations clear with simple, direct instructions.
- Reward positive behaviour more frequently than criticising negative behaviour, aiming for a ratio of four to five affirmations per criticism.
- Provide one-on-one feedback to help students correct their actions.
- Ensure students understand that breaking rules has consequences, offering them a chance to correct behaviour (e.g., “I know you can stop [negative action] and return to [positive action]. If not, then [consequence] will follow.”).
- Recognise their duty of care and ensure they are well-trained to prevent and respond to bullying confidently.
What Can You Do?
According to UNICEF, if you believe you’re being bullied, the first thing you should do is seek support from someone you trust, like your parents, a close family member or another trusted adult. At school, you can talk to a counsellor or your favourite teacher, either in person or online.
If you are not comfortable talking to someone you know, look for a helpline such as The Befrienders (03-76272929, sam@befrienders.org.my) to speak with a professional counsellor.
If the bullying is happening on a social media platform, consider blocking the bully and reporting their behaviour through the platform’s formal reporting system, as social media companies are responsible for ensuring user safety.In conclusion, while the government is taking steps to criminalise cyberbullying and increase accountability, parents, schools and individuals all play a crucial role in preventing and responding to online harassment. By fostering positive environments, teaching responsible digital behaviour, and seeking support when needed, we can collectively work to combat the growing threat of cyberbullying and create a safer online space for everyone. – November 14, 2024
