The document discusses cyberbullying and digital abuse in Bangladesh. It defines cyberbullying as bullying through technology like texting and social media. Cyberbullying aims to psychologically humiliate victims and can negatively impact academic performance and increase risks of depression or suicidal thoughts especially in young people. Bangladesh has laws against cyberbullying through its Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006, and other acts. However, studies show around 49% of students in Bangladesh report being cyberbullying victims. The document outlines steps being taken to prevent cyberbullying through education programs, but that more guidance of online content is needed.

1. An Analysis
on CYBERBULLYING
& DIGITAL ABUSE
in Bangladesh

2. Cyberbullying & Digital Abuse is a type of bullying that occurs through technology such as texting
and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner. Often this behavior is a form
of verbal or emotional abuse perpetrated online.
Cyberbullying & Digital Abuse
 Cyberbullying is often anonymous, and aims to destroy
and psychologically humiliate the victim.
 Cyberbullying can affect the victim’s academic
performance.
 Being bullied can increase a person’s risk of
depression, drug or alcohol abuse, risky sexual
behavior, and suicidal thoughts. The risk is even higher
in young people.

3. Cyberbullying Law in Bangladesh
Though at first cyberbullying was officially not considered as a crime, at present cyber bullying is not just an act to
be scorned upon but is an offence punishable under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act 2006
in Bangladesh. The Act inter alia provides that a person who deliberately publishes, in a website or in electronic
form, any material which is fake and obscene or has the effect of corrupting persons who are likely to read, see or
hear the material or causes to prejudice the image of a person or may hurt religious belief or instigate against any
person, then the person publishing the material will be guilty of an offence under the Act. The punishment for such
an offence is imprisonment and fine.
The laws which can be availed by victims of cyber harassment in Bangladesh include
 the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 (ICT Act)
 the Pornography Control Act, 2012 (PC Act)
 and the Digital Security Act, 2018 (DS Act)
 Section 63 of the ICT Act ensures punishment for disclosure of confidentiality and privacy with imprisonment or
with a fine or both.
 Section 24 of the DS Act penalizes identity fraud and provides sanctions for it whereas section 25 protects a
person from the transmission or publication of offensive, false or threatening information regarding them
through any digital medium.
 Section 29 of the DS Act protects a victim against defamation. Finally, section 8 of the PC Act has made the
possession, distribution or use of any sort of pornographic material illegal.

4. Present Scenario of Cyberbullying in Bangladesh
 Almost 49% of students have reported being victims of cyberbullying.
 A study has concluded that 49.5% of Bangladeshi teenagers had been victims of cyberbullying
until 2016.
 The study indicates that 61% of students in Bangladesh send explicit
messages online, which is known as “sexting.”
 Around 38% of students expressed positive opinions about consulting
with their parents.
 32% kids at risk of cyberbullying in Bangladesh: UNICEF
 80% of cyberbullying victims are women.

5. 8.3
8.3
37.5
41.7
4.2
Most devices used by Students
Computer
Ipad or Tablet
Cellphone
Cellphone with camera
Digital Camera
19
9.5
0
33.3
4.8
33.3
If Cyberbullied, who tried to help?
Parents
Siblings
Teachers
Friends
Nobody
Never Cyberbullyed
Present Scenario of Cyberbullying in Bangladesh

6. Effect of Cyberbullying & digital abuse
The changes might not be readily apparent at first, but as time goes on, you may notice one or
more of the following behavioral changes that can be strong indicators of cyberbullying.
 A drop in social behavior — avoiding friends or social events
 Isolating his or herself in their room more than usual
 Finding it hard to concentrate on schoolwork
 Grades dropping
 Losing interest in activities that they normally enjoy
 Skipping school or expressing a desire to skip school
 Appearing angry when looking at their phone, tablet, or computer
 Hiding their phone or computer screen from view
 Using drugs or alcohol
 Expressing dark thoughts or emotions
 Talking about suicide

7. Steps taken to prevent Cyberbullying in Bangladesh
 The Bangladeshi government has taken some actions to stop cyberbullying. Firstly, the
government passed a new ICT act in 2006; now, victims can take legal steps against assailants
under these acts.
 Additionally, the government and non-government organizations hold awareness seminars,
programs, and dramas to create social awareness regarding cyberbullying.
 Bangladesh tries to control and guide the network media, formulate relevant laws and
regulations, and strengthen the legal system.
 However, the Bangladeshi government should establish the principle of network access and
control the advertising and information issued by the company to prevent the harm of false
information to the people.

8. What can parents do about cyberbullying?
Unfortunately, there is no quick, one-size-fits-all solution to the cyberbullying problem. But, at the
very least, as parents, you can be there for your children. It is highly probable that your child will
not be forthcoming about any incidences of cyberbullying they may be experiencing.
However, if you recognize any of the signs described
above, take the time to sit with your child and attempt
to coax them to open up about any problems they are
having in or out of school. By being supportive and
understanding, you may aid your child in feeling as
though they are not wholly alone.

9. What to do if you are being cyberbullied
You have the right to be safe and respected. You don’t deserve to be bullied or harassed, whether
in-person or online. If you’re being cyberbullied:
 Don’t respond to the messages.
 Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, grandparent, teacher,
coach, principal or guidance counselor.
 Block the number on your phone. Block or unfriend the user
on the website or social media platform.
 Document the bullying with a screenshot and share it with the
site’s administrators, a trusted adult and, if necessary, the authorities.
 Call 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

10. Thank
You
#together_for_a_better_internet