Reflecting Verses:
“This is why you were chosen. Because a strong man, who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength and knows compassion”.
–Dr. Abraham Erskine from the movie “Captain America”
“The one who neglects and turns a blind eye to the abuse is worse than the abuser”
-Ko Mun Yeong from the Korean Drama “It’s Okay to not be Okay”
These quotations are my favourite for the very simple reason that hurting anybody for any reason is not human at all. That’s how it is for both boys and girls. People judge by the way you look and with what they hear about you and label you immediately.
In today’s world, anything and everything is available at the click of a button in this fast-developing technological age. The cyber-world is known to have opened various opportunities and has given rise to an ocean of information which in turn has widened the base of our knowledge. As known, everything comes with its own pros and cons. This makes us think of evil consequences of such ocean of knowledge which leads to Cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can have devastating consequences. Many people fall into mental illness, be it depression, anxiety, trauma, and has been a major reason for suicide.
As the quote goes: “Words scar, rumours destroy, and bullies kill”, there are many people who die because of bullying. The worst thing in cyber bullying is that the perpetrators could be acquaintances but hide behind the mask of anonymity online.
Cyber bullying is one of the major issues that has shown up in recent years, especially in India, due to increasing availability of data services and social media. The main victim to these bullying cases is the student community. One of the sensational incidents which had occurred in recent years was the suicide of an MBBS student in Kerala who was provoked with inappropriate comments on her Facebook post by one of her college mates.
The Raghavan Committee report recommended that teachers and the principal shall be held liable if any act of bullying takes place in the school premises. This was stated in the case of University of Kerala v. Council, Principal’s Colleges, Kerala and others. In order to discipline the behaviour of students and evict the cases of bullying and abuse from the college premises, UGC (University Grants Commission) brought uniform anti-ragging rules to be followed by the Universities and Colleges across the country and they could even forfeit their recognition if they fail to abide by the anti-ragging rules which have been legislated by the UGC.
In India, there is no specific provision under any legislation to deal with the issue of cyber bullying. However, there are various provisions in the existing laws which can somehow be related to the various forms of cyber bullying. Among other existing laws the role played by the Information Technology Act, however partial, is very significant. The Information Technology Act is enacted and interpreted by the Courts to deal in such cyberspace issue relating to cyber bullying, cyber stalking, etc. The amendment of the Indian Penal Code Act in 2013 introduced other offences and made cyber stalking an offence.
We should always remind ourselves if we are the victims of bullying that, even though we may feel powerless in this situation remember that God is with us in solidarity. We must be vocal and raise our voice. God will give us the strength to challenge such injustices. Likewise, if we know anyone who bullies others in any form, stand us against them, and teach them a lesson through the legal institution. God is by our side when we do that. No matter how dirty they tear us down, God is in such dirty places with people who are dirtied. Be Bold. Be Strong. Be Vocal.
Prayer: Eternal King, how great are Your signs and how powerful are Your wonders! Your Kingdom will last forever, Your rule through all generations. You are the Lord, the Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Larihun Lyngdoh
About the Author: Larihun was born and raised in Meghalaya. She just completed her graduation in Law. She loves watching anime. She is an active member of the Student Christian Movement of India.
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