HEALTHY RESPONSE TO CYBERBULLYING
Cyberbullying is not a new thing. According to Merriam-Webster, cyberbullying is the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously. Words are communicated in divers ways and they have great power. Proverbs 18:21 states that “Life and death lies in the power of the tongue”. What we communicate to people can either make them grow or destroy them.
What we communicate can never be undone, yes you can delete but the harm might have already been caused. Here are some best practices a cyberbully victim can use to overcome some of these harassments.
- TELL TRUSTED PEOPLE: Telling someone can make you feel relieved. Trusted people like parents and close relatives who are understanding can help you out. This would make you feel better than to be depressed.
2. REPORT IT TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES AND LET THEM TAKE ACTION: If you are on social media, you can report the person’s account. With this, they can block the person’s account and even trace it if the need be. Also, there are social and legal steps that can be taken to stop this behavior. Ghana commission for UNESCO is there to help victims here in Ghana.
3. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND GET INVOLVED IN BULLY PREVENTION: With time, voice out your experience for other victims to be inspired and to know about how to overcome such situations.
It is important to know that one person can not stop cyberbullying. It takes a team of dedicated people to help fight cyberbullying. When you are able to get these healthy responses, you can overcome the effects of cyberbullying.
By: Phebbe Korley