In today’s hyper-connected world, the internet offers limitless opportunities for communication, learning, and entertainment. However, along with these benefits comes a darker side: cyberbullying. Often hidden behind screens, cyberbullying can feel less obvious than traditional forms of bullying, but its impact is just as real—and often more damaging.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms such as social media, text messaging, gaming, and email to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. It can take many forms: sending harmful messages, spreading rumors, posting embarrassing photos or videos, or even pretending to be someone else to cause emotional distress.
One of the most alarming aspects of cyberbullying is its reach—because of the internet’s vast connectivity, victims may feel they can never escape it. Unlike face-to-face bullying, which can end when someone leaves a certain location, cyberbullying follows the victim into their home, school, and personal life, often 24/7.
The Link Between Cyberbullying and Mental Health
The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating to a person’s mental health, particularly for children, teenagers, and young adults, who are often most vulnerable. Research shows that victims of cyberbullying are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, 84% of young people in Malaysia spend more than four hours online daily. With more time spent online, the chances of encountering or becoming a victim of cyberbullying increase significantly. In fact, a 2020 study by Unicef Malaysia found that one in three young people has experienced some form of cyberbullying.
How Cyberbullying Impacts Mental Health:
Anxiety: Constant online harassment can make victims feel overwhelmed, trapped, and constantly on edge. The fear of what will be posted or said about them next can lead to chronic anxiety.
Depression: Negative online interactions can erode self-confidence, leading to feelings of worthlessness. Over time, this can result in depression, especially if the victim feels isolated or unsupported.
Sleep Issues: The stress and worry caused by cyberbullying can interfere with sleep, as victims may stay up late checking for new attacks or struggle to rest due to anxiety.
Social Withdrawal: Victims may start avoiding social interactions, both online and in real life, out of fear of further bullying. This can lead to loneliness, isolation, and increased vulnerability to mental health struggles.
Real-Life Examples of Cyberbullying
Harassment via Social Media:
One heartbreaking example of the devastating effects of cyberbullying comes from the recent case of Esha, a well-known Malaysian influencer. Esha faced intense harassment online, where anonymous users left hurtful comments about her appearance, lifestyle, and personal choices. Despite maintaining a strong public presence, the constant barrage of negative comments took a toll on her mental health. Sadly, in 2024, Esha took her own life after battling prolonged cyberbullying.
Her tragic story serves as a stark reminder that behind every social media profile is a real person with real emotions. While some may view harsh comments as mere “internet banter,” the reality is that cyberbullying can deeply affect a person’s mental well-being, often with irreversible consequences. Esha’s passing shook many in Malaysia and reignited conversations about the urgent need to tackle online abuse and support those suffering in silence.
Exclusion and Doxxing: A university student in Malaysia, Amy (not her real name), was part of an online gaming community. After a falling out with some group members, she was excluded from the chat. They later shared her private details, including her phone number and address, online, causing her to receive harassing calls and texts. Amy eventually sought therapy to cope with the emotional damage and fear from the incident.
Their story, along with many others, illustrates how cyberbullying can push individuals to the breaking point and highlights the need for immediate intervention when signs of distress appear. Cyberbullying isn’t confined to schoolchildren—it can happen to anyone, at any age, anywhere in the world.
What Can Be Done to Combat Cyberbullying?
Education: Awareness is key. Schools, parents, and communities should educate young people about the dangers of cyberbullying and teach them how to use the internet responsibly. Digital literacy can help prevent online conflicts from escalating into harmful behavior.
Support Networks: Victims of cyberbullying should be encouraged to speak out and seek help. Whether it's through friends, family, or professionals, having a support network can make all the difference. Mental health professionals, such as counselors and psychologists, can offer coping strategies to deal with the emotional strain caused by cyberbullying.
Limit Online Access: For younger children, limiting screen time and monitoring online activity can help reduce exposure to cyberbullying. Setting boundaries around device usage can also foster healthier habits.
Stand Up, Don’t Stand By: Bystanders play a critical role in stopping cyberbullying. If you see someone being bullied online, report the behavior to the platform, offer support to the victim, and don’t participate in spreading hurtful content.
Use Technology Tools: Most social media platforms have built-in tools for blocking or reporting abusive content. Victims should use these tools to protect themselves and prevent further abuse.
Who to Report Cyberbullying To
Local Authorities: In serious cases, where threats of violence, harassment, or doxxing are involved, it’s important to report cyberbullying to the local police or Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). In Malaysia, cyberbullying can fall under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits the use of the internet to cause harm.
Visit the MCMC Complaint Portal: Go to the MCMC complaint website dedicated to handling online content complaints.
Platform Administrators: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok have reporting systems that allow users to flag abusive content. If the platform fails to act, victims may consider reaching out to their respective help centers for assistance.
Counseling Services: Victims struggling with the emotional impact of cyberbullying should seek help from mental health professionals. In Malaysia, organizations like Befrienders Kuala Lumpur and Talian Kasih offer helplines for those in need.
Online Mental Health Services : TeleHope Health offers counselling, therapy and psychiatric services online. Services are by appointment basis only. Contact us via WhatsApp at +6018-2112 837 (http://wa.me/60182112837) to learn more about getting 5 sponsored sessions.
Conclusion: Cyberbullying is Everyone’s Responsibility
The ripple effects of cyberbullying extend far beyond the screen, deeply affecting the mental health and well-being of victims. While the internet continues to be a powerful tool for connection and expression, we must remain vigilant in making it a safer space for all.
Whether you’ve experienced cyberbullying, witnessed it, or are worried about its impact, remember that the first step in stopping the cycle is awareness. Speaking out, seeking help, and fostering kindness online can make a world of difference in protecting our mental health. Together, we can help create a world where people can thrive online without fear.
Important Helplines in Malaysia:
Emergency : 999
Befrienders KL: 03-7627 2929
Talian Kasih: 15999
Comments