Letters | Society must open its eyes to the harm of cyberbullying
Readers discuss how today’s social media-savvy youth are susceptible to online bullying, responsible promotion of island tourism, and the plan to raise parking fines
It explores how humiliation and marginalisation can lead to a profound sense of shame, isolation and hopelessness. Prolonged exposure to humiliation and bullying can affect a person’s mental health, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and even suicidal ideation. It chips away at self-esteem and can foster toxic shame and extreme anger. When left unaddressed, it can manifest in tragic ways – suicide or homicide.
The series highlights the heightened risks teenagers face in today’s digital age. Bullying is no longer confined to school hallways or playgrounds; it follows victims home, invading their most private spaces through social media. The series underscores the grim statistics: globally, nearly 30 per cent of adolescents aged 12–17 experience bullying, while the rates of cyberbullying victimisation range from 14 to 58 per cent.
The anonymity of the internet exacerbates cruelty, allowing bullies to dehumanise their victims with ease. Victims, in turn, often internalise the bullying, feeling as though they are inherently bad or even like objects stripped of their dignity and worth. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable because they are navigating a critical period of identity formation, making them more susceptible to the effects of humiliation and rejection.
Bullying is not just an individual problem; it is a societal issue shaped by systemic and environmental factors. Do schools have the resources and capacity to address bullying effectively? Are educators equipped to recognise the signs of bullying and support victims? Or are they stretched too thin, leaving students to fend for themselves?