Health & Beauty The Bleak Reality of Cyber-Bullying in Sri Lanka

The Bleak Reality of Cyber-Bullying in Sri Lanka

2019 Oct 7

The lack of boundaries in the digital sphere has become a serious cause for concern. The consequences that come along with it are plenty. The youth in Sri Lanka make up the majority of active users on the web. Thus, they are also more likely to be at the receiving end of one of the most common virtual threats of the digital age – cyber-bullying.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council in the United States, cyber-bullying is “the process of using the internet, cell phones or other devices to send or post texts or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” It is similar to traditional forms of bullying, but with notable differences. Bullying, on a virtual platform, is targeted harassment intentionally carried out in an aggressive manner against a victim through an electronic source. Cyber-bullying can:

  • take many forms (i.e. text messaging, social media, other online spaces)
  • be done either privately or publicly
  • be perpetrated by an individual or a group
  • take place anonymously
  • extend into cyber-violence, cyber-stalking, etc.

Examples range from spreading rumours about someone on social media, threatening someone online and creating fake accounts to posting compromising images of another person online and leaving abusive comments.

The Sri Lankan context

In a survey conducted by the National Centre for Cyber-Security in Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka CERT), 14% of youth revealed that they were victimised through cyber-crimes such as identity theft, 11% reported that their accounts were hacked and 9% stated that their photos were abused. Despite these worrying incidents, 71% of respondents admitted to taking no action against the perpetrators.

Many young people in Sri Lanka are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the pervasive atmosphere brought on by cyber-bullying. One does not need to look further than the many Facebook pages portraying innocent school girls clad in uniform, “slut-shaming”, death threats and the increasing rate of “revenge porn” (the distribution of sexually explicit images or video clips of individuals without their permission), that show how Sri Lankan society is deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, unnecessary sensationalising and a culture of victim-blaming.

The victims of such incidents of cyber-bullying face intense psychological distress, depression and post-traumatic stress, according to Samudra Kathriarachchi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. It is common for them to feel exposed and humiliated, vulnerable, isolated, and even self-critical. The detrimental impact of this type of harassment goes even further to the extent of suicidal ideation and suicide, as has been the unfortunate case with several young persons who were victims of cyber-bullying in Sri Lanka.

With regard to Sri Lanka’s legal framework, cyber-bullying is not listed as a separate offence. But certain provisions in Sri Lanka’s Penal Code provide alternatives to take action against the perpetrators. However, the lack of awareness surrounding the issue and a general mistrust in the legal system, as well as cumbersome court proceedings, often discourage victims from taking concrete action and following through over long periods of time.

On a positive note, a Standard Operating Procedure for Police to handle cases of cyber sexual harassment was established just last year. The procedure was introduced by Women In Need (WIN) and other institutions that address gender-based violence, including the Police Cyber Crimes Unit and Children and Women’s Bureau, the Criminal Investigation Department, Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), and Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) among others. This new process is set to address a principle challenge that women face due to fears and stigma associated with them going directly to the CID.

Social media platforms also face challenges in addressing reports of cyber-bullying, especially if it has been carried out in Sinhalese or Tamil, due to language constraints. Most reports made on Facebook, for instance, bounce back with a statement that it “does not violate community standards.”

What actions can be taken against cyber-bullying?
  • Gather evidence. Take screenshots and save all the links. Keep a chronological record of everything related to the incident(s).
  • Approach a reporting agency. Here is a list of authorities that address complaints regarding cyber-bullying and other forms of online misconduct.
Sri Lanka Police 

Most state and private entities that are established to address issues arising online are mandated to deal with only certain issue areas. Therefore, online users facing cyber-bullying are encouraged to take legal action by reaching out to the Police in their locality.

Additionally, in incidents involving cyber sexual violence, the Children’s and Women’s Desk at each local police station also records and conducts inquiries into complaints, in addition to conducting searches and confiscating property as evidence.

Sri Lanka CERT

The Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) is the focal point of cybersecurity in Sri Lanka. You can lodge a report by:

  • Filling a form on their website: cert.gov.lk
  • Contacting them via telephone: +94 11 269 1692 / 269 5749 / 267 9888
  • Sending them a fax message: +94 11 269 1064
  • Emailing them: report@cert.gov.lk

Since SL CERT is only mandated to receive complaints on hate mail and identity or information theft, they may not respond to complaints outside of this issue area. However, they may intervene in the case of fake accounts or profiles by liaising with the entity that owns the specific online platform to remove any offensive or hateful content.

CID Cyber Crimes Division

Report incidents of cyber-crime (including cyber-bullying) here: telligp.police.lk

National Child Protection Authority 

Contact the NCPA if the victim of cyber-bullying is a minor (if the victim is under 18 years old).

  • Contact 1929 – the NCPA hotline is toll-free, available 24/7, and all reports are treated confidentially. Visit childprotection.gov.lk for more information.
  • The NCPA also has several resources for children and parents on online safety which can be accessed here: childprotection.gov.lk/?page_id=2211
Women In Need (WIN)
WIN provides support for victims of gender-based cyber violence to take legal action by reporting the incidents to the relevant authorities. WIN helps victims through each case with support from The Grassrooted Trust and VOICE Foundation.
  • Contact: 011 267 14 11 / 011 471 85 85
  • Email: connect@winsl.net
  • 24hr Hotline: 077 567 65 55

Bakamoono

Visit bakamoono.lk for a ton of resources and information on available services that address cyber-bullying and other issues.

Cyber-bullying is never the fault of the victim. Nevertheless, it is wise to exercise due precaution by taking the following steps.

Protecting yourself and others from cyber-bullies
  • IMPORTANT: If you receive a message or compromising information that includes targeted harassment of an individual, DO NOT share it for purposes of entertainment or sensationalising or endorse such behaviour. If it is safe enough to do so, educate the sender on the harmful effects of cyber-bullying and advise them to stop circulating such harmful content. Report the incident if it infringes upon the privacy and safety of the victim(s).
  • Do not engage with the cyber-bully. It is best to avoid all contact and block him/her if their actions threaten your safety and confidence. Always take screenshots as evidence that can be shown to the relevant authorities when the incident is reported.
  • Recognise the signs. Look out for signs like sudden withdrawal, lack of self-esteem, changes in eating and sleeping habits, skipping classes and sudden disinterest in favourite activities in your loved ones. These signs may point to the possibility that they have been a target of cyber-bullying.
  • Refrain from sharing too much personal information online.
  • Do not respond to hate-driven messages, comments, etc. with hate. Seek advice from someone you trust and try to have a respectful conversation without resorting to hateful rhetoric. Report the incident if your safety is at risk.
  • Think twice before sharing images and videos that may compromise your safety or reputation. Bullies often use them as ammunition against you.
  • Check your privacy settings.
  • When using a public computer or any other digital device, remember to log out of all your accounts.
  • If you are a parent, teacher or caregiver, educate younger children on how to practise online safety. It is important to advise them on how to be responsible digital users and what to do if they witness an incident of cyber-bullying.
  • Hold bullies accountable. Let them know that their behaviour is unacceptable and that they will face consequences if they continue to resort to cyber-bullying.

The onus falls on all of us to take a stand against cyber-bullying and be respectful and responsible digital citizens in the virtual sphere.

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