In Kenya, cyberbullying is yet to be recognized for what it really is even as many victims continue to suffer. The phrase ‘think before you type’ is yet to register in the minds of many internet users since the prevalence of online bullying continues to be felt. This is thus an opportune time to focus on how to avoid cyberbullying.
This vice has devastating consequences and, in some cases, the victims have committed suicide. In 2017, a woman in her late 20’s is believed to have thrown herself in front of a moving vehicle after falling victim to cyberbullying on Facebook. Some victims become depressed while some are forced to take some time off social media or even refrain from using it completely.
It is a known fact that some people are more vulnerable to online bullying than others. Teenagers and people who are considered ‘misfit’ have been exposed to online bullying. Women are also bearing the brunt of cyberbullying too. Radio presenter Linda Nyangweso knows this too well. The issue needs more attention than it is currently receiving.
Years of studying bullying have enabled psychologists to make sense of bullying and come up with some practical guidelines of how potential victims can avoid it.
Tips to help avoid cyberbullying:
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Educate yourself
The first step is to understand cyberbullying. Educate yourself about the context of cyberbullying including what constitutes it and how it occurs. It would also be important to talk to friends and family about their understanding or experience with this vice.
In addition, part of educating yourself is to learn to how to deal with the issue in case it happens. This may also include providing support to victims of cyberbullying whenever possible. Also, it would be important to teach young ones how to respond if and when they detect unsafe behavior online.
Some stakeholders have been playing a key role in raising awareness as a way to fight cyberbullying. The Facebook group MtandaoManenos, has been actively trying to raise awareness about the devastating effects of Cyberbullying. The hashtag #kenyaagainstcyberbullying has been used to raise awareness on this vice; hence, you can join the bandwagon to spread the word. iHub Research has been undertaking a qualitative research with the aim of understanding the status of online engagement by different categories of women. They found that younger women are more interested in learning how to navigate the online environment in order to be ready in case of harassment.
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Guard your privacy
Digital security experts continue to lay emphasis on the importance of protecting passwords and other confidential information. Sadly, it could be that not everyone listens or some of us are still ignorant about the basic rules of online safety. Online safety ensures that you deny bullies the opportunity to hack and take over your online accounts. In cases where they have gained access to accounts of unsuspecting victims, they have posted false or embarrassing information or pictures, especially on various social media platforms.
Part of guarding your privacy is refraining from posting racy photos online or even sharing it with anyone. The last thing you want is for bullies to get hold of such pictures since they can make your life miserable and turn you into a laughing stock. Do not post anything you would want to remain private since once they are in the public space, you could easily become a victim of cyberbullying.
Also, ensure that you set up privacy controls such that you set restrictions on who can see your online profiles. In most cases, this should be restricted to friends and family.
Other ways to protect internet privacy:
In case you wish to go an extra mile to safeguard your personal information so that it does not land in the wrong hands, here are 3 other ways through which this can be achieved:
1. Safe browsers
Popular internet browsers like Chrome, Mozilla, and Opera may be a preference for many due to their ease of use. However, these browsers do little to prevent third parties from tracking your online activities. In case you are serious about guarding your privacy, opt for a browser that respects your privacy. SRWare Iron and Tor browser are highly responsive and user-friendly browsers and great alternatives that safeguard your privacy.
2. Virtual Private Network
Virtual Private Network or VPN is a service that allows you to surf the internet via a remote server. This online service hides your true identity by assigning you a different IP address. Examples of great paid VPNs are ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and NordVPN. Great examples of free VPN services are Me and Windscribe.
3. Search engine
Your online activities are very important for companies as they form a basis for targeted ads. Search engines collect information such as your IP address, search terms, cookie ID, and time of a query. Google and other search engines track your activities and personal data and while Google has denied sharing user data with third parties, reports indicate that the company has handed over personal information to governments. In case this makes you apprehensive, you can opt for privacy-based search engines such as DuckDuckGo and Startpage.
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Log out of public computers
When you leave your account logged in on a public computer, you give a stranger the opportunity to pose as you. It only takes a few seconds to log out of your accounts so do it. In some extreme cases, bullies can change your password and lock you out of your account for a while. A few hours are enough for a bully to make your life miserable. Take charge of your online safety by ensuring that your accounts are always logged out after using public computers.
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Hit search engines and conduct a search on yourself
As you navigate the online environment, you leave a trail of words and media that search engines can index.
Take online safety to another level by conducting a search of yourself on all major search engines, Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The goal is to see what personal details and photos come up. In case you come across information or photos that cyberbullies can use to target you, it is time to take action. Request to have the information or file removed.
Learn how to ‘ungoogle’ yourself here.
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Be a good digital citizen
Set a good example.
We have talked about educating yourself so that you can fully understand cyberbullying. In the same breath, it is important to emphasize that this should also increase your consciousness when connecting or interacting with others. The commitment to stop and avoid cyberbullying on various platforms starts with you and me.
increased reporting
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Ignore requests and messages from strangers
Social media platforms offer an opportunity for people to connect. While this is a great idea, not everyone wants to connect for the right reasons. If you often receive messages from strangers on your social media accounts, it is safe to refrain from opening them. These messages could contain foul language or even viruses. Do yourself a favor by deleting them.
While at it, do not be too quick to accept requests from strangers. Numerous cyber criminals and bullies are out to lead you into a trap that may cost you dearly. One of their goals is to get as much information from you and then use it to hijack your account. The end game is to use the information fraudulently. In case you already accepted a request from someone who appears to be a bully, block them, they do not deserve your airtime.
In case you receive messages, refrain from responding…if possible
In the words of radio presenter and social activist Adelle Onyango, “How I defeat bullies is by not giving them my power … Knowing this takes away the bully’s power to control you and to claim you as a victim.”
If possible, do not let the bully get a reaction that they seek. Do not let them control you.
This is a golden rule. The bully seeks a reaction from you; hence, the wise thing to do is to not respond, where possible.
Silence is rarely misquoted and in the case of bullies, it leaves them wondering how you perceived their harassment. This is way better than communicating your anger or frustration. If you have to respond, pause before you post. Do not give the bully ammunition to use against you and be careful not to compromise your reputation in the process.
Finally, cyberbullying has caused suffering to thousands of Kenyans and while most people prefer to be quiet about it, something can be done to prevent it. Make it your mission to adopt preventive measures to avoid cyberbullying by insisting on the safe and wise use of technology and the internet.
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