Cyberbullying: A Real Threat in the Digital Generation Era

Cyberbullying has become a real threat in the digital generation era, where social interactions increasingly rely on the internet and social media. This form of harassment can take many forms, from insults and harassment to the unauthorized sharing of personal information, which can have serious mental and social consequences for victims. With the rise of technology usage, children, teenagers, and even adults are becoming more vulnerable to cyberbullying, especially due to the anonymity of the online world that emboldens perpetrators. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what cyberbullying is, its impacts, and the preventive and handling measures needed to ensure that the digital generation can navigate the online world more safely and wisely.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment conducted through digital technology, such as social media, chat platforms, online games, and mobile devices. This behavior is usually repetitive and aimed at intimidating, humiliating, or harming the victim. It can take various forms, including spreading false information, posting embarrassing photos or videos, sending online threats, or impersonating someone to damage their reputation.

According to recent data, cyberbullying cases in Indonesia have continued to rise over the past few years. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) recorded 285 cases of violence in educational environments in 2023, which surged to 573 cases in 2024, with 31% of them related to bullying.

The main difference between conventional bullying and cyberbullying lies in the method and scope of their spread. Conventional bullying typically occurs in physical environments such as schools or workplaces, where victims can seek refuge. In contrast, cyberbullying is not confined by space and time, occurring in the digital world where perpetrators can remain anonymous and attack at any time. This exacerbates the impact, as information disseminated online can persist indefinitely and reach a vast audience within a short time. Additionally, cyberbullying has the potential to be more aggressive because perpetrators feel emboldened without immediate consequences for their actions.

Recent statistics indicate that cases of Gender-Based Online Violence (KBGO) quadrupled in early 2024, rising from 118 cases in 2023 to 480 cases, with the majority of victims aged 18–25 years (57%), followed by children under 18 (26%). Previously, in 2022, UNICEF reported that 45% of children and teenagers in Indonesia had experienced cyberbullying. While the increase in reported cases may reflect greater public awareness, this trend remains alarming. Stricter prevention and protection measures must be implemented to shield the digital generation from the negative effects of online harassment.

Read: Psychology's Role in Raising Cybersecurity Awareness

Types of Cyberbullying

In the digital world, cyberbullying takes various forms that can harm victims psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Some forms are more overt, while others are subtle yet equally dangerous and difficult to detect. As internet usage continues to rise, cyberbullying is becoming increasingly common across different digital platforms. Therefore, understanding its forms is crucial for recognizing, preventing, and addressing it effectively. Here are some of the most common types of cyberbullying:

1. Flaming
   Flaming is an online verbal attack aimed at provoking or humiliating someone. It usually occurs in discussion forums, comment sections, or group chats, where the perpetrator deliberately uses harsh or offensive language to incite conflict.
2. Harassment
   Online harassment happens when someone repeatedly sends intimidating, insulting, or threatening messages or comments on digital platforms. This can occur through social media, emails, or messaging apps, intending to distress or frighten the victim.
3. Doxxing
   Doxxing refers to the act of sharing someone’s personal information—such as their home address, phone number, or other private data—without consent, with the intent to harm or endanger them. This attack is often used to publicly shame someone or even threaten their safety.
4. Impersonation (Identity Theft)
   Impersonation occurs when someone pretends to be another person online, either to tarnish the victim's reputation, deceive others, or spread false information on their behalf. Perpetrators may use the victim’s photos, name, or social media accounts to carry out harmful actions.
5. Cyberstalking
   Cyberstalking involves obsessively monitoring and terrorizing someone online, often through threatening messages, excessive tracking of the victim’s activities, or spreading their private information to instill fear. Cyberstalking can have severe mental health consequences for victims and, in some cases, escalate to physical threats.
6. Exclusion
   Exclusion is the deliberate act of excluding someone from an online group or digital community to make them feel isolated. For example, someone may be removed from a group chat or denied access to a forum as a way to embarrass or socially isolate them.

Each of these cyberbullying types has different effects, but all can cause significant emotional distress to victims. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these forms of cyberbullying to recognize and prevent them early.

Why is the Digital Generation Vulnerable to Cyberbullying?

The digital generation has grown up in an era where social media and technology are inseparable from daily life. Young people spend significant time on digital platforms to communicate, share information, and seek entertainment. However, the high intensity of social media usage also increases the risk of cyberbullying. With continuous online interactions, the chances of becoming either a victim or a perpetrator of cyberbullying rise. Negative comments, the spread of false information, and online harassment can occur rapidly and are difficult to control due to their wide reach.

A lack of digital security and privacy education is a major factor that makes the digital generation more vulnerable to cyberbullying. Many young people are unaware of the importance of safeguarding personal information, using strict privacy settings, or recognizing cyberbullying tactics. As a result, they become easy targets for online attacks, whether through social media accounts, chat applications, or online forums. Without sufficient understanding of how to protect themselves in the digital world, victims often do not know how to handle such situations or where to seek help.

Another reason cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent is the anonymity of the online world, which allows perpetrators to attack others without being held accountable for their actions. Many people feel emboldened to use harsh words or harass others because they can hide behind anonymous accounts. The strong attachment to the digital world also exacerbates the impact, as victims often feel trapped in a cycle of online harassment. Anxiety disorders, depression, and a tendency to isolate themselves are some of the serious psychological effects cyberbullying victims may experience.

The Impact of Cyberbullying on Victims

Cyberbullying not only causes emotional distress but also has far-reaching consequences on various aspects of a victim’s life. Its negative effects can be both short-term and long-term, affecting a person’s psychological well-being, academic performance, physical health, and social life. The more frequently someone experiences online harassment, the greater the likelihood of severe consequences. Here are some of the major effects of cyberbullying:

• Psychological Impact
  Cyberbullying can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Continuous verbal attacks, humiliation, or threats can make victims feel worthless, lose motivation, and withdraw from social interactions. In severe cases, victims may develop serious psychological disorders, including self-harm thoughts or even suicidal tendencies.
• Academic Impact
  The mental stress caused by cyberbullying can negatively affect a person’s academic performance. Victims often struggle to focus on their studies due to the emotional burden they carry. Fear and excessive anxiety can make them reluctant to attend school, leading to declining grades or even dropping out because they feel unsafe in an environment that may also be a place of bullying.
• Physical Impact
  The psychological toll of cyberbullying often results in physical health problems. Prolonged stress can cause victims to experience sleep disorders, headaches, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. In some cases, victims also develop extreme eating patterns, such as loss of appetite or overeating as a coping mechanism for the stress they endure.
• Social Impact
  Cyberbullying victims often lose self-confidence and struggle to interact with others. Feelings of shame, fear of judgment, and trauma from online harassment can lead them to withdraw from social life, even from close friends and family. If not addressed promptly, these effects can have long-term consequences on a victim’s ability to form healthy relationships and feel comfortable in social environments.

The impact of cyberbullying should not be underestimated, as it can significantly affect a person’s overall quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to be more aware of the dangers of online harassment and take active steps to prevent and protect victims from further harm.

How to Prevent and Handle Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a growing threat as technology and social media usage continue to rise. To protect oneself and others from its harmful effects, both preventive measures and effective response strategies are needed. Prevention aims to minimize the risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of cyberbullying, while response steps are crucial for those who have already experienced it. Here are some effective ways to prevent and address cyberbullying:

Preventive Measures

• Digital Education for Children, Teens, and Parents: Raising awareness about digital security is essential in preventing cyberbullying. Children should be taught about online etiquette and how to recognize the signs of cyberbullying, while parents need to stay informed about digital trends to guide their children in using the internet safely.
• Privacy and Account Security: Protecting social media accounts is an effective step in reducing the risk of cyberbullying. Setting up strict privacy controls, limiting access to posts and messages, and using strong passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA) can help prevent unauthorized access to personal accounts.
• Open Communication Between Parents and Children: Many cyberbullying victims hesitate to report incidents due to fear or embarrassment. Building open communication between parents and children is crucial to ensure that victims feel comfortable speaking up. Parents should listen without judgment and provide support instead of worsening the situation.

How to Handle Cyberbullying

• Block and Report the Perpetrator on the Platform: If someone experiences cyberbullying, the first step is to block the perpetrator’s account to stop receiving harmful messages or comments. Most social media platforms also have reporting features to flag abusive content or accounts, allowing platform administrators to take action.
• Save Evidence for Further Action: Although the instinct might be to delete hurtful messages or comments, it is crucial to save evidence such as screenshots or screen recordings. These can be valuable if the issue needs to be reported to schools, workplaces, or even law enforcement authorities.
• Psychological Support from Family and Professionals: Cyberbullying can significantly affect victims’ mental health. Seeking support from family, friends, or mental health professionals is essential in helping victims cope with trauma. Talking to a trusted person can ease anxiety and rebuild self-confidence.
• Legal and Regulatory Actions Against Cyberbullying: Many countries, including Indonesia, have laws addressing cyberbullying. If the harassment reaches the level of a criminal offense, victims should consider reporting the case to the authorities. In Indonesia, cyberbullying can be subject to legal sanctions under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which provides legal protection for victims.

The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Society in Addressing Cyberbullying

The role of parents is crucial in protecting children from cyberbullying. In addition to monitoring their children's digital activities, parents should provide education on cybersecurity, such as using social media wisely, managing account privacy, and recognizing signs of cyberbullying. Beyond supervision, parents must also foster open and supportive communication so that children feel comfortable sharing their experiences if they encounter online bullying. This approach helps children understand the risks of the digital world and encourages them to report any incidents without fear or shame.

Aside from parents, teachers and schools also have a responsibility to create a safe environment free from cyberbullying by implementing strict anti-cyberbullying policies. Educational programs on digital ethics and the impact of cyberbullying should be integrated into the curriculum to raise students' awareness. Moreover, society and the government play a role in enforcing laws and increasing public awareness of the dangers of cyberbullying. The government must ensure clear and effective regulations, such as the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), to hold perpetrators accountable. Awareness campaigns and community-based educational programs are also essential to fostering a healthier and safer digital culture for everyone.

Read: Doxxing: What Is It and How to Avoid It?

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a real threat in the digital era that can have serious impacts on victims' mental health, social well-being, and academic performance. With the growing use of the internet, it is crucial for all stakeholders—parents, teachers, communities, and the government—to take an active role in preventing and addressing cyberbullying through education, policies, and strict law enforcement. Digital ethics and cybersecurity awareness must be instilled from an early age to ensure that individuals can navigate the online world wisely and responsibly. By creating a safer digital environment, we can protect younger generations from the negative effects of online bullying and foster a more positive online culture.