Let's talk about something

Today, almost every individual has at least 5 different social networks.

Social networks can be a handy thing if we use them in an appropriate way and with good intentions. Increasingly, however, social networks are being used to harass and damage an individual's reputation, which has many consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

During the epidemic, the amount of online violence increased very much, as children and adolescents spent more and more time on social networks.

What types of online violence do we know?

The most common forms of online violence are:

Offensive messages and comments - constantly write offensive comments against the individual and state untruths about the person
Exclusion from groups - the person is removed from chat rooms and social media groups in which the victim is discussed and is aware of it.
Fake profiles - creating fake profiles on social networks and pretending to be the victim
Editing photos offensively - this is about editing photos that would offend an individual
Defamation - spreading false rumours about someone
Threats - sending/posting threats to individuals or groups
Blackmail - sending requests to the victim

Not all forms of cyberbullying are listed here, as there are many other forms.

What are the consequences for the victim?

The violence of any kind has consequences for the victim. Physical violence typically results in physical injuries, while psychological violence can lead to psychological issues.

Even seemingly harmless violence has consequences for the victim(s). However, if online aggression persists and intensifies, it can lead to further repercussions. In the worst-case scenario, which is unfortunately quite common, the victim may suffer from depression and suicidal tendencies and even take their own life.

What can the victim do?

As a victim of cyberbullying, it's important to speak up. Reach out to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counsellor, or parent, and work together to find a solution. Additionally, you can contact countries' institutions and projects that focus on raising awareness about safe Internet use.

It is essential to prevent online violence. Victims must not remain silent; most children and adolescents do not even discuss being bullied, threatened, or extorted online. Talking about it is key.

What are the repercussions for someone who commits violence?

Many people mistakenly believe that if they are sending threatening messages from their home phones and computers, they cannot be tracked. However, this is not true; all online activity can be traced back to its source.

Cyberbullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm. – Anna Maria Chavez

The consequences of violence can be severe. Depending on the severity of the act, the perpetrator may face criminal charges, fines, jail time, and other penalties. In addition, they may suffer social, emotional, and psychological repercussions, such as public humiliation, loss of relationships, and difficulty finding employment.