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PROJECT: THE MANY FACES OF SOCIAL MEDIA BULLYING

3 days ago6 min read

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With the reopening of schools in 2025, Specialised Security Services will again focus on educational and relevant projects to empower the youth and their families. Parents and young people must remain vigilant and informed about the potential dangers of increased social interaction, both offline and online. Bullying, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok,

has become a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Understanding the tactics and motivations of bullies is also crucial. Social media platforms have revolutionised the way young people communicate, but they have also become breeding grounds for various forms of bullying. While TikTok bullying has received significant attention, bullies employ a variety of tactics across different social media platforms to target and harm their victims. Understanding these methods and the motivations behind bullying is crucial for prevention and intervention.


Cyberbullying can have far-reaching social, emotional, and psychological effects on victims.

In South Africa, where internet and social media usage continues to grow rapidly, young people are

increasingly vulnerable to online harassment, peer pressure, and public humiliation.

The anonymity of online platforms often emboldens bullies,

making it easier for harmful behaviour to escalate without immediate consequences.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS USED FOR BULLYING:

  • INSTAGRAM:

    • Bullies use Instagram to post harmful comments, spread rumours, and exclude individuals from social circles through blocking and unfollowing.

  • SNAPCHAT:

    • The disappearing messages feature allows bullies to send hurtful content without leaving a trace, making it difficult for victims to provide evidence.

  • FACEBOOK:

    • Bullying on Facebook often takes the form of public shaming through posts, comments, or creating fake profiles to humiliate victims.

  • WHATSAPP:

    • Group chats can spread gossip, share embarrassing photos, and exclude individuals, leading to emotional distress.

  • TWITTER/X: 

    • Harassment and cyberbullying take place through public tweets, retweets, and direct messages, often in the form of targeted attacks and public humiliation.

  • TIKTOK:

    • Bullies on TikTok use videos, comments, and duets to target individuals, often creating viral trends that mock or shame others.

    • Harmful content can spread rapidly, and the platform’s algorithm sometimes amplifies harmful content, leading to broader visibility and emotional harm.

    • Victims may also face exclusion through users' blocking or ignoring, leaving them vulnerable to harassment within TikTok’s interactive and creative environment.

  • GAMING PLATFORMS:

    • Online multiplayer games have chat functions that allow bullies to harass and intimidate players in real-time.

 

TACTICS USED BY ONLINE BULLIES:

Bullies use a range of methods to intimidate and harm their targets, including:

  • HARASSMENT: 

    • Repeatedly sending offensive or threatening messages via direct messaging or public comments.

  • DOXXING:

    • Publicly sharing private or personal information about a victim to intimidate or embarrass them.

  • IMPERSONATION:

    • Creating fake accounts to impersonate the victim and damage their reputation.

  • EXCLUSION:

    • Deliberately leaving someone out of online groups or conversations to make them feel isolated.

  • TROLLING:

    • Posting provocative content intended to upset and provoke reactions from the victim.

  • CYBERSTALKING: 

    • Continuously monitoring and following the victim’s online activity to intimidate or manipulate them.

 

REASONS WHY BULLIES ENGAGE IN ONLINE HARASSMENT:

Understanding the motivations behind bullying behaviour is key to addressing the problem effectively.

Some common reasons why young people engage in social media bullying include:

  • INSECURITY AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM: 

    • Bullies often project their own insecurities onto others to feel a sense of control or superiority.

  • PEER PRESSURE:

    • The desire to fit in or be accepted by certain social groups can lead individuals to participate in bullying.

  • ANONYMITY AND DISTANCE: 

    • Online platforms provide a sense of anonymity, making it easier for individuals to act aggressively without facing immediate consequences.

  • REVENGE OR JEALOUSY: 

    • Some bullies act out of resentment, jealousy, or a desire to retaliate against perceived wrongs.

  • SEEKING ATTENTION:

    • Engaging in bullying behaviour can be a way for individuals to gain attention or approval from their peers.

 

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM BECOMING A VICTIM:

Preventing social media bullying requires proactive steps from parents, educators, and young people. Here are key measures to take:

  • EDUCATE YOUR CHILD: 

    • Teach them about online safety, respectful online behaviour, and recognising and reporting bullying.

  • MONITOR ONLINE ACTIVITY:

    • Regularly check your child’s social media usage and be aware of their online interactions.

  • ENCOURAGE OPEN COMMUNICATION: 

    • Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns related to social media.

  • SET BOUNDARIES: 

    • Establish clear guidelines regarding screen time and appropriate online behaviour.

  • REPORT AND BLOCK BULLIES: 

    • Encourage your child to report abusive content and block individuals who are causing harm.

  • PROMOTE POSITIVE ONLINE ENGAGEMENT:

    • Encourage your child to engage with positive communities that promote kindness and inclusivity.

 

Parents, educators, and community leaders must work together to create safe digital spaces for children and teenagers.

This includes open communication, regular monitoring of online activities, and teaching resilience and digital etiquette. Specialised Security Services remains committed to raising awareness, providing support to victims,

and promoting responsible digital engagement to prevent cyberbullying and its devastating effects.


If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, it is crucial to seek help from trusted individuals

and report the behaviour to relevant authorities. Awareness and proactive intervention are key to ensuring

a safer environment for all young people.

 

Individuals affected by bullying can seek assistance from Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services as a final recourse. With extensive experience in addressing cases of victimisation among young people, Mr. Bolhuis provides support not only to the victim but also to the bully. It is essential to recognise that while the victim's protection is paramount, many bullies are themselves victims of difficult circumstances or past experiences. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial in breaking the cycle of bullying and fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all.

 

Mr. Mike Bolhuis can also be approached to address the growing concern of cyberbullying in schools. With years of experience and specialised expertise in this field, he has developed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding online harassment. Mr. Bolhuis is well-equipped to educate scholars about the risks and consequences of cyberbullying, providing valuable insights and practical solutions to combat this issue effectively. Through informative sessions and proactive interventions, he empowers students to recognise cyberbullying, report incidents, and foster a culture of respect and digital responsibility within their school communities.

 

RELEVANT PROJECTS:

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


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