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WHEN I was growing up, bullying usually happened in the school corridor, at the bus stop, or on the playground. You could walk away, go home, and find peace. Today, things are different.

With a phone in every hand and social media in every pocket, bullying has entered our private space — it follows us wherever we go. This new form of cruelty is called cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying happens when someone uses the internet, social media, or messaging apps to insult, threaten, spread lies, or embarrass another person. It can happen through WhatsApp messages, TikTok videos, Instagram posts, or even anonymous comments on YouTube. Sometimes it looks like a “joke,” but it can deeply hurt someone’s confidence and mental health.

Let’s take a closer look at what it really means — and how you can protect yourself and others.

What Cyberbullying Looks Like

Cyberbullying can take many forms. Here are a few examples that students in Sabah might recognise:

Online teasing or humiliation – Someone makes fun of your looks, accent, religion, or background on social media, and others “like” or share it. It might start as a “harmless joke” but ends up damaging your self-esteem.

Spreading rumours or lies – A classmate posts a false story or edited photo to embarrass you. Even if it’s deleted later, screenshots can spread fast.

Impersonation – Someone creates a fake account using your name and photo, then posts offensive things to make you look bad.

Exclusion – You find out your friends have a WhatsApp or Telegram group — and everyone’s in it except you. You’re being left out on purpose.

Harassment – Repeated rude messages, threats, or unwanted attention online. It can make you feel scared to open your phone.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Malaysian youths — even in small towns and rural schools — experience cyberbullying but don’t talk about it. They fear being blamed or told to “just ignore it.” But silence allows bullies to grow stronger.

The Real Impact

Some say, “It’s only online — it doesn’t matter.” But that’s not true. Our digital world is part of our real world. Hurtful words online can cut just as deep as insults said to your face.

Victims of cyberbullying often experience sadness, anxiety, loss of focus in studies, and even depression. Some withdraw from friends, while others act out in anger or give up on their dreams. I’ve met students who stopped attending school events, fearing someone might record them and post it online.

That’s the sad truth: what begins as teasing can end in long-term emotional scars. But here’s the good news — you can do something about it.

The Dos and Don’ts

Let’s go through some simple dos and don’ts to protect yourself and others from cyberbullying.

DOs:

Pause before you post.

Before sending or posting anything, ask yourself: Would I say this to someone’s face? If not, don’t post it.

Keep evidence.

If you are bullied online, take screenshots, save messages, and record dates and times. These can help if you need to report it.

Talk to someone you trust.

Don’t suffer in silence. Share your experience with a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or a trusted friend. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after speaking up.

Report and block.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp have “report” and “block” features. Use them. You have the right to protect your space.

Support your friends.

If you see someone being bullied online, don’t just scroll past. A simple “Are you okay?” message can mean the world to them.

DON’Ts:

Don’t fight back.

Responding with anger or insults only fuels the bully. Take the higher ground — ignore, block, and report.

Don’t share or forward hurtful content.

Even if you didn’t create it, forwarding rumours or mocking videos makes you part of the bullying chain. Break it instead.

Don’t blame yourself.

Remember, bullying says more about the bully than the victim. You didn’t cause it, and you don’t deserve it.

If You Need Help

Help is closer than you think. In Malaysia, there are several channels where you can reach out confidentially.

Talian Kasih (15999) – A 24-hour helpline for counselling and social support. You can also WhatsApp them at 019-2615999.

Befrienders Kota Kinabalu (088-255 788) – Offers emotional support and a listening ear, especially if you feel overwhelmed.

School Counsellor – Every school in Sabah has at least one counsellor. They are trained to handle bullying issues, including online bullying. Don’t hesitate to approach them.

Police Cybercrime Division (CCID) – For serious threats or harassment, a police report can be made at the nearest station. 

Remember, asking for help is not weakness. It’s strength. You’re standing up for your right to feel safe and respected.

Be a Digital Hero

You might think, “But what can I do? I’m just a student.” The truth is, you can do a lot. Every time you choose kindness over cruelty, you make the online world a better place.

Every time you stop a rumour, defend a classmate, or report a fake account, you become a digital hero.

Think of it like this: our generation doesn’t just live in the digital world — we build it every day. What kind of online world do you want? One filled with fear and gossip, or one filled with respect and empathy?

Your choices matter. Words matter. A single positive comment can undo the damage of many hurtful ones.

Cyberbullying and Career Planning

You may wonder — what does this have to do with career planning? A lot, actually. Employers today often check your digital footprint before hiring you. A cruel post made years ago can come back to haunt you. Being kind, respectful, and responsible online builds your digital reputation — something that matters as much as your grades.

Also, handling online conflict with maturity shows emotional intelligence — a top skill employers value. So, by learning to handle cyberbullying wisely, you’re also preparing yourself for your future career.

Final Thoughts

Technology connects us like never before. It gives us knowledge, opportunities, and friendships across Sabah, Malaysia, and beyond. But it also comes with responsibility. You can use it to build or to break, to heal or to hurt.

So, my message to every student reading this: Use your voice wisely. Use your power kindly. Don’t let cyberbullying steal your confidence, your peace, or your dreams. Stand tall, reach out for help when needed, and help others rise too.

Remember — no post, no comment, no message is worth your mental health.

You are stronger than the bully.

And together, we can make our digital world a safer and kinder place

Note: If you have a suggestion, send to krishnankanapathy@yahoo.com