Chat groups are fertile grounds for cyberbullying, which can have a profound impact on victims’ mental health. — Filepic
BATHMA, 27, has never got over the trauma of being bullied online by her coursemates in college.
She said they used to make fun of her appearance and personality in a chat group.
“I tried to ignore what they said but it wasn’t easy.
“There were times when I second-guessed myself and questioned if I had done anything wrong,” she said.
Several of them even used racial slurs when talking about her in the chat group.
“I did not feel welcomed and although one of them did apologise, I found it hard to forgive and forget,” she recounted.
Dr Jambunathan says victims must be encouraged to seek help from trained mental health specialists.At the time, Bathma said she did not know what to do and kept mum.
“It took a toll on me mentally,” she added.
Consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Stephen Jambunathan said support from family and friends was crucial for victims of cyberbullying.
“Victims must be encouraged to seek help from trained mental health specialists,” he said.
When asked what makes someone a bully, Dr Jambunathan said many might not even realise that they were doing it.
“They may just be expressing their opinion, unaware of the impact their words may have on the victim.
“But there are also those who intentionally want to hurt and embarrass the victim,” he said.
Time magazine ran a cover story on Aug 18, 2016, exploring the psychology behind a cyberbully.
A 40-year-old man said the attention he got from online trolling was a much-needed distraction from his own problems.
Tan says cyberbullying falls under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“My ex-wife and I had just separated. She left to start a new, more exciting life without me,” he told the publication in explaining his actions.
Lawyer Vince Tan said cyberbullying fell under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) which covers offences related to online content.
“These include the publication of obscene, indecent, false, threatening, offensive and abusive content,” he said.
He also said that the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) was used to deal with racial discrimination.
“It covers the use of hate speech to discriminate, harass and intimidate others based on race or ethnicity,” he added.
Those suffering from mental problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp; Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp; or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929.
Alternatively, go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of helpline numbers nationwide or email sam@befrienders.org.my
