Crucial Cyberbullying Laws You Should Know About

Do you know that India is ranked third in the world for cyberbullying crimes? According to CRY (children rights you) research, 9.2 percent of children are cyberbullied, and half of them do not even inform their parents about it. Every parent’s worst concern is seeing their child being cyberbullied. In this article, you will learn about the crucial cyberbullying laws you should know about. Cyberbullying laws should be familiar to anyone who uses social media. You can’t expect the world to be less harsh mentally and physically, but you can be a conscious and mindful citizen who acknowledges their rights.

What Is Cyberbullying? 

Cyberbullying is the intentional use of technology by an individual or a group to harass or threaten another person. It affects both children and adults. With technology ruling the world, cyberbullying has become an inseparable part of it. To put it simply, cyberbullying occurs through the use of mobile phones and laptop computers.

Sharing hurtful messages, spreading false information about people, creating fake profiles, sharing private images, and other behaviors that destroy a person’s image come under cyberbullying. Many children are unaware that they have been cyberbullied. So, these laws are the need of this century. 

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Cyberbullying was 1st recognized as a criminal offense when the Supreme court of India dealt with the case of Vishaka Vs. The state of Rajasthan. During this case, the Supreme court laid down various guidelines and laws for women to protect them from sexual harassment. 

9 Common Cyberbullying Examples 

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1. Hacking someone’s account.

2. Circulating private images all over social media.

3. Sending vulgar messages.

4. Intentionally destroying another person’s character.

5. Spreading false rumors.

6. Commenting means things on someone’s pictures.

7. Sending hostile and derogatory comments

8. If someone sends emails and texts to frighten or embarrass someone.

9. Ruining reputation through social media.

According to a 2014 study, 50% of India’s youth had been victims of cyberbullying. Teenagers who are unaware of the cyberbullying laws are more likely to suffer in silence or suppress emotional and mental distress. Some youngsters are even embarrassed to discuss their circumstances with their parents. It is your responsibility as parents to address the boundaries, benefits, and drawbacks of social media with your children. Additionally, make children aware of the government’s cyberbullying laws.

Related Article: 6 Warning Signs Of Bullying In Kids That You Should Know

What Are The Effects Of Cyberbullying? 

1. Increases anxiousness and stress.

2. Suicidal thoughts.

3. Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.

4. Loss of confidence and self-esteem.

5. Self-harming.

6. Excessive anger.

7. Leading to depression.

8. This results in low academic performance.

9. A person starts spending time alone.

10. Poor sleeping pattern.

Crucial Cyberbullying Laws You Should Know About

• Information Technology Act, 2000 

The ITA, 2000, was passed by the Indian government to deal with crimes that happen over the internet. This act provides some remedies for the person who goes through cyberbullying.

• IT Section 66A 

Section 66A evolved to punish for sending offensive, harming, insulting messages through social media.

• Section 66 (E)

If someone intentionally captures someone’s images and uses them illegally or spreads them all over the internet without the victim’s consent, the individual will be imprisoned for 3 years and fined 3 lakh rupees or more.

• IT Act Section 66

Section 66 deals with hacking. According to this act, any person who hacks the computer system will be imprisoned for 3 years or have to pay a fine of Rs 2 Lakh or more. 

• IT Act Section 67

Section 67 deals with circulating obscene information, such as circulating or uploading vulgar information through the electronic form. This cyberbullying law imposes a 5-year custodial sentence as well as a fine. Also, if someone repeats a particular act, they will be imprisoned for 10 yrs with a fine extended to 2 Lakh. 

• IT Act section 72 

Section 72 addresses consequences for violations of confidentiality and privacy. According to cyberbullying law, anyone who violates the privacy of another individual will face imprisonment for more than two years as well as a fine.

• Indian Penal Act, (IPC) 1860

Under IPC, there are no specific provisions or laws mentioned. However, several sections deal with cyberbullying violations.

• Section 507

A person who threatens, harasses, or forces another individual to do something inappropriate against their will faces a 2-year prison sentence.

• Section 509

If any individual tries to shatter or insult the modesty of a woman on social media, he/she will face imprisonment under section 509 cyberbullying law. The imprisonment may last up to 1 year, along with a fine.

• Section 354(C)

Anyone who attempts to take private images of a girl without her consent faces a prison sentence of 1-3 years under this cyberbullying law.

• Section 354(D)

Someone who attempts to monitor another person’s day-to-day activities on social media in order to harm them in any way will receive a 1-3 year prison sentence.

• Section 499

Anyone who attempts to defame the character of another person on social media will suffer repercussions.

How To Prevent Your Teen-Kid From Cyberbullying?

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1. Teach Them The Importance Of Privacy

Ensure that your teen-kid never shares their information with anyone online. Make children understand that it’s a high-risk and unhealthy practice to share their images, passwords, address, and phone numbers with anyone they have met online. 

2. Monitor Your Child’s Online Activities 

Always keep passive ownership of their social media accounts. Teens intentionally put a password on their phones to hide their activities. As a parent, make sure to monitor their online practices. Moreover, till the age of 18 or when a child is an amateur, you should check their social media accounts and talk to them about their friends or personal life. 

3. Let Them Know The Consequences Of Social Media

Talk to your child about the real world. Furthermore, talk with them, instruct them, and make them aware of the harsh realities of the world. Make sure they avoid or be careful while talking to strangers. Tell them that people are not always true to what they show. Lastly, talk about the negative consequences of social media to not instill fear but make them more mindful of their environment.

4. Permanence Of Social Media

They should understand that once you publish an image or send something to someone, it cannot be withdrawn. Inform kids that they have no control over who can view their content. Moreover, assist them in being more cautious while sharing content or photographs on social media sites.

5. Teach Mindful Usage Of Technology

Related Article: 8 Assured Ways To Manage A Child’s Daily Screen Time

We all can never ignore the fact that technology dominates the world. Furthermore, with the advent of online studies, childrens’ lives revolve around technology as well. However, as a responsible parent, you should help your children use technology intelligently and mindfully.

Teach them to understand the ratio of using technology. Technology should be 20% fun and 80% about gaining knowledge. Allow them to spend less time on social media and more time reaping the benefits of the digital world.

Help them learn new things online by enrolling them in online classes of their choice, asking that they watch valuable YouTube videos, and limiting their use of social media. Lastly, make them learn about the important laws laid down by the Indian government. 

Conclusion

Also, In this 21st-century, when the digital world dominates the world, getting acknowledged by cyberbullying laws seems to be a huge necessity. Cyberbullying laws are there to protect the users of the digital world. If you are not familiar with cyberbullying laws, you are missing out on a major area of internet use.

It includes laws that help protect users from the constant harassment that can occur on other forms of media. The above-mentioned crucial cyberbullying laws you should know about are the ones that are specific to social media.

Furthermore, we at PiggyRide are working relentlessly to make the parenting journey more pleasurable and delightful for your children. Visit our website to find the most effective parenting solutions.