With cyber-bullying at its peak, it is high time to take concrete action.
ISLAMABAD: According to recent statistics, cyber bullying is one of the biggest issues faced by our young generation. In the US alone, 52 per cent of the children faced cyber bulling (Statistic Brain) whereas, in the UK, 38 per cent were affected by cyber bullying (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).
In Pakistan, where anti-cyber crime laws are not strongly enforced, the issue rarely sees the light of day. Parents and children often do not report incidence and continue to be tortured, which often leads to severe consequences, like the victims committing suicide. The recent kidnapping of a child in Gujranwala highlights this issue. A death occurs and suddenly everyone vows to make changes, then everyone forgets these promises, until the next death occurs.
With cyber-bullying at its peak, it is high time to take concrete action. Cyber-crime monitoring should be made effective. Parents need to keep a check on web surfing and social networking websites that their children have access to. Parents, children and teachers all need to play their part in stopping this menace.
Ayesha Ihsan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2013.
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