Suicide and self-harm cases in Malaysia have been getting more and more apparent these days. Many teens and tertiary students face stress and bullying on a day-to-day basis and nobody knows about it. As a result, some have resorted to self-harm, or worse, suicide because they can’t cope anymore. You could be one of them.
If you feel like you have been or are a victim of cyberbullying, or perhaps you’re a friend of someone who’s being cyberbullied, fret not because in conjunction with ‘Stop Cyberbullying Day‘ today, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can beat cyberbullying! Be the bigger person and stand up against the bullies.
1. Don’t respond to cyberbullies
Source: Digicular
Many cyberbullies who pick on their victims do it for the thrill of annoying or pissing the victim off. Some do it to make them feel better about themselves. Don’t give these bullies the satisfaction or the power over you. Don’t respond.
2. Don’t retaliate, just meditate
Retaliating with an angry comment or comeback only reinforces the bully’s behaviour and at the same time, turns you into a bully as well. Don’t let them pull you into the dark side.
3. Don’t become a bully too
With all the negativity that’s being thrown at us, it’s only natural to want to fight back, but if you can, the only thing you need to fight is the need to fight back. Don’t stoop down to the bully’s level. You are better than that.
4. Speak to an adult you can trust
Source: Flickr
Whether it’s a parent, an older sibling, a close friend or even someone professional, don’t be afraid to seek help from them and talk to them. You should never have to face your bullies on your own.
5. Save the evidence
Source: Periodico Victoria
As of February, an article by The Star states that laws on cyberbullying are currently being drafted. So, if the bully behind his or her computer screen is still sending you nasty messages, and sharing mean and untrue things about you online, don’t respond – just save the evidence. Wait for them to kantoi!
6. Block the bully
Source: Anspach Media
If you can, and you know who the bully is, block him or her from all your social media platforms. This lessens the bully’s chances of sending you hate messages and you won’t have to see their mean posts flooding your feed. Out of sight, out of mind!
7. Be civil
You are a smart and mature human being, don’t let whatever cyberbullies say get to you. They’re the real losers, not you. Always remember to be respectful and only do to others what you want others to do to you. Paying them back an eye for an eye is never the answer. You’re so much better than that!
8. Don’t just stand by, stand up
Be a friend. If you know someone who’s a victim of cyberbullying, don’t just stand on the sidelines and watch. Victims of cyberbullying want more than anything to be able to talk to someone about their problems. Be that friend, be the listening ear that they need or the shoulder to cry on. You might just save a life.
We hope you’ve found these tips and pieces of advise helpful. If you are a victim of cyberbullying, know that you’re not in this alone. There are people out there who love and care for you; suicide and self-harm should never be the answer. Talk to someone, stay strong and let’s beat this together!
If you’re seeking help or someone to speak to, don’t hesitate to give Befrienders a call at 03-79568144 or 03-79568145. The hotline runs 24 hours a day. You can even email them at sam@befrienders.org.my
Let’s stop cyber bullying together this ‘Stop Cyberbullying Day’!
Also read: 7 Things That Happened Since the Brutal Assault of Penang Teenager
