Cyberbullying: a growing concern for South Africans

'CHILDREN ARE TELLING EACH OTHER TO GO KILL THEMSELVES ONLINE'

- NADIA KHAN

IN TODAY'S digital age, where social media platforms are integral to daily life, the threat of cyberbullying looms large.

Emma Sadleir, a social media law expert, said cyberbullying was any kind of online content which caused a person harm, such as mental, psychological and emotional, as well as in some instances, financial.

As someone who works on the ground and deals with numerous requests for assistance, Sadleir said cyberbullying appeared to be a common issue among young people, especially teenagers.

“We are seeing more occurrences of online bullying with ‘tween’ girls, who are generally aged between 10 and 15. I am also seeing what I call, ‘encouragement to suicide’. Children are telling each other to go kill themselves. It is absolutely horrific. However, cyberbullying can affect anyone who uses online platforms. There are no exceptions.”

Sadleir said cyberbullying was also seemingly more traumatic than “real-life” bullying.

“Compared to bullying in real life, you can’t just walk away or go home after someone has bullied you. Cyberbullying is constant and follows you everywhere. It is somewhat inescapable.

“There are also tools available for online bullying such as artificial intelligence (AI). With the use of AI, bullies can turn a person into a horrible meme or sticker. They also use photoshop. They can use a picture of a person’s face, and photoshop it on to a naked person's body, and in some instances upload it on a porn website,” she said.

However there were legal consequences of cyberbullying, such as being criminally charged with crimen injuria, she added.