Bullying has consistently been a painful struggle for many, casting a shadow over their formative years. However, the bullying I encountered while growing up in a small French town pales in comparison to the challenges young people face today on the internet. Back then, bullying was confined to physical and social environments. Now, it knows no limits and is unending.
A Personal Experience of Bullying
During my childhood in a small French town, I found myself subjected to constant teasing and bullying, despite having done nothing to warrant it. My aunt married the son of the casino owner, a significant figure in our community. Although this connection had no direct relation to my family, we were wrongly branded as “the wealthy ones.” This unjust labeling sparked resentment, mockery, and ultimately, bullying.
At both school and within the community, I endured taunts, insults, and even physical altercations. However, a significant distinction existed between bullying in the past and bullying today: there was a way to address it. Each time I confronted my bullies — even if I lost a brawl — it clearly communicated that I wouldn’t be an easy target. In most cases, that was sufficient to put an end to the bullying. Though painful, it had a definitive endpoint.
Why This Is No Longer Possible
Nowadays, online bullying renders resolution virtually impossible. Social media platforms serve as arenas where harassment can persist anonymously, unrelentingly, and publicly. Unlike in-person altercations, which eventually conclude, online assaults amplify with each like, comment, or share. Victims have no means to assertively respond with “Enough,” as bullies hide behind screens, and bystanders only intensify the cruelty.
The Unique Dangers of Online Bullying
Online bullying is more brutal than my experiences for two main reasons:
- Permanence: An insult or rumor on social media never truly vanishes. It remains accessible, visible, and can resurface at any time, compelling victims to relive their humiliation incessantly.
- Amplification: Where a school altercation may have been witnessed by a few people, an online attack can spread to thousands in mere moments. The shame becomes public and global.
The Responsibility of Platforms and Legislation
Governments, such as Australia recently, are attempting to tackle the issue by implementing laws that restrict social media access for children under 16. While these initiatives are well-intentioned, they present significant enforcement challenges. In the meantime, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat must also shoulder responsibility by improving content moderation, safeguarding vulnerable users, and curbing the misuse of their tools. They bear a duty of care to ensure their platforms do not become havens for harm.
What Can We Do?
To combat online bullying, we must adopt a collective strategy:
- Governments: Enhance laws to safeguard vulnerable users.
- Platforms: Create effective tools to identify and eliminate toxic behaviors.
- Parents and Schools: Educate children on how to protect themselves online while promoting empathy and understanding of consequences.
Conclusion
The bullying I endured was severe, but it had boundaries. Today, with social media, those boundaries are non-existent. Addressing online bullying requires a global collaboration where everyone — lawmakers, platforms, educators, and parents — plays a crucial role. Together, we can transform these digital tools, created to connect people, into safe environments where cruelty has no place.
Author Rene Philippe Dubout is a Swiss lawyer specializing in supporting Fintech companies. He can be reached at insight@fintechlex.com – www.fintechlex.com – www.fintechsetup.com
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