At a time when people are dependent on social media and there is a lack of control and responsibility on online platforms, it is no surprise that cyberbullying has gotten more rampant.

Cyberbullying, one of the most popular kinds of youth harassment, can harm mental health, relationships, and education.

Social media novices are getting online at ever-younger ages. Many young people thrive on social media recognition, but many often endure negative encounters on the same platform.

Online innovations are valuable, making user protection even more crucial.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (improper use of network facilities) protects users in Malaysia, although it may not be enough.

Internet users may not understand cyberbullying or how to protect themselves.

Cyberbullying laws help raise awareness and penalise offenders. Cyberbullying should be deterred by legislation, and social media rules should be reviewed often.

Given that we live in a world where digital technology has revolutionised how individuals communicate and interact, the government should review and strengthen the current statutory framework.

The 2014 Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore banned cyberbullying. In the UK, there are various laws used to prosecute online communication incidents, but no cyberbullying laws.

In February 2021, Ireland passed the Harassment Harmful Communications and Related Offenses Act 2020 (HHCR).

A good legislative framework, coupled with strict enforcement, would help deter persistent cyberbullying

Other than regulation, society must also play a part in social well-being to prevent cyberbullying by promoting good morality.

Government agencies, non-governmental organisations, education, and corporate sectors can help raise public awareness and civic-mindedness through online behaviour education. Malaysia can eliminate cyberbullying with community support.

Though difficult, we believe our laws and legislators can achieve this. Our own anti-cyberbullying rules protect victims and other online users and penalise offenders.

Info source – Dihlvinder Kaur Gill via The Star