Oct 306 min read

PROJECT: CYBERBULLYING AND THE INCREASE IN SUICIDE

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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

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Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place over digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets,

using online communication platforms like social media, text messages, forums, and gaming communities.

It includes various harmful behaviours, such as sending, posting, or sharing negative, destructive, false,

or mean content about someone else.

Common examples of cyberbullying include harassment, impersonation, spreading rumours,

doxxing (sharing private information) and creating hateful or exclusionary online groups.

IMPACT:

Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness.
Cyberbullying can lead to lowered self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
The stress and emotional strain can impact a person's ability to concentrate, leading to lower academic or work performance and, in some cases, absenteeism.
Chronic stress from being bullied online can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, sleep disturbances, and even eating disorders.
Victims may withdraw from social situations, fearing judgment or further bullying.
They may also struggle with trust and become isolated from friends or family.
Unlike traditional bullying, online content can be challenging to remove once shared.
This creates a sense of permanence, where the victim may feel unable to escape the harm, leading to long-term psychological impact.
Since cyberbullying does not require face-to-face interaction, bullies may feel emboldened to act more aggressively, often hiding behind anonymity.

CYBERBULLYING AND THE INCREASE IN SUICIDE:

Cyberbullying has been increasingly linked to a rise in suicide among children, teenagers, and even adults, as it can lead to intense feelings of isolation, helplessness, and despair.
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying is constant, often anonymous, and can reach the victim anywhere, leaving few places of refuge.
Because it happens online, cyberbullying can happen 24/7.
The inability to escape bullying, even at home, means that the victim feels no safe space, which intensifies emotional distress.
Online anonymity can embolden bullies to be harsher, more persistent, and more aggressive.
Victims often feel overwhelmed by the relentless negative comments and threats from people they may not even know.
Cyberbullying can involve public shaming, where harmful information, rumours, or photos are widely circulated.
This leads to humiliation on a large scale, amplifying feelings of worthlessness and fear of judgment, particularly in impressionable young people.
Victims of cyberbullying often experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
For teens and young adults who may lack the necessary coping mechanisms, this can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide as a way to escape the pain.
Cyberbullying-related suicide is a growing concern in South Africa, where the impact of online harassment has tragically led some young people to take their own lives.
The increase in cyberbullying, particularly among teens, has amplified mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, exacerbating the country's youth suicide rate.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young South Africans, especially teenagers.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 9% of teen deaths in the country are attributed to suicide.
SADAG reports that one in four South African teenagers has experienced suicidal thoughts, with bullying and cyberbullying increasingly cited as contributing factors.
Research from South African institutions has found that around 24% of teenagers experience some form of cyberbullying, typically on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Cyberbullying often includes harassment, body shaming, public humiliation, and sharing private information or images, which can lead to social isolation and emotional distress among victims.
Victims of cyberbullying frequently report feeling isolated, helpless, and overwhelmed, as the harassment often follows them everywhere through their digital devices.
This unrelenting harassment can lead to feelings of despair and a lack of escape, which in turn increases the risk of suicidal behaviour, especially among teens who may lack coping strategies and support systems.

HIGH PROFILE CASES:

Lufuno Mavhunga (2021), a 15-year-old girl, died by suicide after being bullied both online and at school. A video of her being physically attacked by a fellow student went viral, sparking national outrage and a closer look at the mental health impact of cyberbullying.
Several anonymous cases have also surfaced in reports by SADAG, revealing that young people are reaching out more frequently for help due to the effects of online harassment and bullying. Many of these cases involve students targeted on social media and instant messaging platforms.
Other international high-profile cases include: Amanda Todd, Megan Meier, and Tyler Clementi.

MOST RECENT SSS PROJECTS REGARDING SUICIDE:

LAWS PROTECTING VICTIMS:

Cyberbullying is a criminal offence in South Africa, and perpetrators can indeed face arrest and legal consequences.

South African law has introduced specific regulations to address cyberbullying, particularly with the rise

of online harassment and digital threats.

Cybercrimes Act of 2020:
- This act is the primary legislation dealing with cyberbullying, including online harassment, intimidation, and the dissemination of harmful or malicious content. The Cybercrimes Act makes it illegal to send messages that are harmful, threatening, or intimidating, as well as those intended to incite violence or damage.
- Under this law, cyberbullies can face criminal charges, which could lead to arrest and, if convicted, a fine or imprisonment of up to three years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Protection from Harassment Act of 2011:
- This law was initially created to address harassment but has since been extended to cover online harassment, including cyberbullying. Victims can apply for a protection order, which, if violated, can lead to the perpetrator's arrest.
- The act protects even when the harasser is anonymous, enabling authorities to trace the bully through online channels.
Criminal Defamation and Common Law:
- South African common law also allows for charges such as defamation, intimidation, and crimen injuria (unlawful and intentional impairment of another person's dignity). These charges can be brought against cyberbullies if their actions damage a person's reputation, cause emotional harm, or infringe on their dignity.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR PERPETRATORS:

Perpetrators can face fines or imprisonment depending on the nature of the bullying and its impact.
A conviction for cyberbullying can result in a permanent criminal record, impacting future employment and travel opportunities.
Victims can also pursue civil claims for damages, especially in defamation cases where cyberbullying has caused reputational harm.

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