CYBERBULLYING AND LEGAL REMEDIES

BY: ANURAG SINGH

ABSTRACT
Cyberbullying, a persistent phenomenon in the digital era, has grown in popularity in India,
as it has internationally. This article goes into the many facets of cyberbullying, from its
definitions and many manifestations to the devastating impact it has on victims. It
investigates the difficulties in fighting cyberbullying, such as anonymity, jurisdictional
concerns, and inadequate reporting. The warning signs of cyberbullying are highlighted to
assist parents and guardians in protecting their children online. The Indian legal framework
is thoroughly explored, including laws in the Information Technology Act and the Indian
Penal Code. Analyzing recent amendments and government initiatives to combat
cyberbullying demonstrates India's dedication to combating this digital threat. Case studies
illustrate real-world examples of the devastation caused by cyberbullying, underlining the
importance of taking action. The conclusion underlines the importance of ongoing efforts
to raise awareness, improve legal remedies, and promote digital literacy in order to build a
safer online environment for everybody. To safeguard people from harassment and harm in
the digital age, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, educational
institutions, and technological platforms must work together in the continuous battle
against cyberbullying. India's progress in combating cyberbullying serves as a model for
other nations facing similar challenges.

Keywords: Cyberbullying, legal remedies, Indian legal framework, victim, fighting

cyberbullying, cybercrime, Indian penal code, Information technology act, government
initiative, cybercrime prevention, awareness, mental health, privacy, social media,
anonymity, digital literacy, online behaviour.

INTRODUCTION
In our contemporary world, the internet has integrated and seamlessly woven itself into the
fabric of our daily lives. It is, however, a double-edged sword, with users constantly
assessing and balancing the risks and benefits it provides. On one hand, the Internet has
made the world a smaller place with opportunities for those with limited resources to
thrive, while also raising awareness of important socio-political movements and serving as
a platform for fundraising for many noble causes; on the other hand, it has exposed
vulnerable people to a deep and dark world of the web and bullying while sitting safely in
their homes. Cyberbullying is a soaring global issue, and India is no exception to this
phenomenon. With the rise of social media platforms and the accessibility of online
contact, cyberbullying has evolved into a major issue impacting people of all ages, with
adolescents and young adults being particularly vulnerable.

UNDERSTANDING CYBERBULLYING
Cyberbullying encompasses the use of digital communication tools, including social media,
email, instant messaging, or text messages, to harass, threaten, or intimidate others.
Cyberbullying, unlike traditional bullying, transcends physical boundaries, manifesting
itself in the virtual world, making it a challenge to escape. Cyberbullying takes on
numerous forms, including:

1. Harassment: Sending hurtful, offensive, or threatening messages to an individual

on a regular basis

2. Doxxing: Sharing personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers,

without obtaining consent.

3. Impersonation: Creating counterfeit profiles or assuming someone else's identity

to tarnish their reputation.

4. Outing: Exposing an individual's private or embarrassing information online.

5. Exclusion: Deliberately excluding someone from online groups or activities.

6. Cyberstalking: Engaging in persistent and intrusive online tracking and

harassment of an individual.

7. Trolling: Posting inflammatory or provocative comments to incite reactions

from others.

8. Flaming: Participating in hostile, aggressive, or abusive online debates or

arguments.

9. Trickery: Cyberbullies befriend victims, gaining trust. They later exploit this trust to
publicly release sensitive information, causing humiliation and harm.
 10. Dissing: It involves spreading harmful information about the victim to tarnish their
reputation or relationships through public posts or private messages.

11. Fraping: Breaking into someone’s social media accounts or even creating a fake
profile under their name to impersonate them and posting harmful content to humiliate
or damage the victim's reputation.

Online gaming is becoming increasingly popular among young adults as a good source of
amusement, but it has also been identified as a leading cause of bullying. Hence, online
games have resulted in increased hostility, violence, conflicts, emotional pain, mental
torment, and physical arousals where family and community can act as an inevitable source
to prevent internet addiction and promote mental health.1

Anonymity is the fundamental cause of cyberbullying since it allows a bully to easily

attack anyone online while disguising their true identity. A person’s psychological
characteristics have a significant influence in determining whether they are a victim or a
bully. A pure bully is aggressive and requires succor, whereas a pure victim is interceptive,
empathic, and wants nurturance.2

Cyberbullying can occur for a variety of reasons, including hatred, envy, insecurity, and
others. It occurs on online platforms in many formats, such as text or email, in various
manners, such as commenting on someone's social media post or video in a negative,
threatening manner, which harms the feelings of the person about whom they are written. It
may also happen when someone demeans, publishes, or posts something derogatory, which
can be audio/video/posting. All of such issues that are posted online are classified as
cyberbullying. There are numerous online platforms where such hate and negativity is
spread, including Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, WeChat and X.

Cyberbullying typically begins at the age of adolescence when the child is exposed to the
internet. Usually, children fail to recognize that what they are experiencing and enduring is
a type of bullying. People mistake it for the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed
under the Indian Constitution's Fundamental Rights. Although it is true that everyone has
the freedom to speak but everything has certain restrictions. Accordingly, one may only use

1
Huang, J., Zhong, Z., Zhang, H., & Li, L. (2021). Cyberbullying in social media and online games among
Chinese college students and its associated factors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 18, 4819. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094819
2
Watts, L. K., Wagner, J., Velasquez, B., & Behrens, P. I. (2017). Cyberbullying in higher education: A
literature review. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 268–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.12.038
 this fundamental right to the extent that they do not violate the dignity of any other person,
whether a known or somebody unknown. Every person has the human right to live his or
her life with dignity and in the manner in which he or she chooses, which is also
guaranteed by the Constitution of India as a fundamental right. People frequently fail to
recognize the other person’s dignity and end up bullying them. Although the right to free
speech and expression should be publicly available to safeguard online freedom, it cannot
be disputed that granting absolute freedom will result in the proliferation of cyberbullying,
inflammatory statements, and hate speech culminating in bodily harm to any person. The
once safe environment of the internet is now gradually turning into a source of fear and
bewilderment due such a negative atmosphere. As a result, it has grown into a significant
issue that needs to be addressed, and put to end.

THE IMPACT OF CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying can have catastrophic effects on the victims' psychological and emotional
well-being. According to research, cyberbullying has a wide range of negative
consequences, some of which may result in serious mental health problems. People who
are cyberbullied are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts, actions, or behaviours
and engage in self-harm as those who are not.3

1. Emotional Effects of Cyberbullying

Quite predictably, cyberbullying is a significant stressor in a young person's life.
According to research, 32% of kids who are targets of cyberbullying report
experiencing at least one symptom of stress. 4 In addition to being upset, people
could also feel injured, humiliated, and even be fearful for their safety. They might
end up holding themselves responsible for the cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has the
following emotional effects:
a. Humiliation
Online bullying seems everlasting since it takes place in cyberspace.
Children are aware that once something is out there, it’s going to remain
there forever. They may feel exposed, ashamed, or overwhelmed.

3
John A, Glendenning AC, Marchant A, et al. Self-harm, suicidal behaviours, and cyberbullying in children and
young people: systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2018
4
Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolesc Health Med Ther.
2014;5:143-158. Published 2014 Aug 1. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S36456
 When cyberbullying takes place, the offensive posts, messages, or texts can
be distributed widely. The sheer volume of people that know about the
bullying can lead to intense feelings of humiliation.5

b. Isolation
Children who are the victims of cyberbullying may experience exclusion
and ostracization at school. Consequently, they often feel alone and
isolated.6 This can be an especially unpleasant experience since friends are
very essential at this age. When children lack friends, it may result in even
more bullying.

When cyberbullying occurs, parents may advise shutting down the computer
or turning off the phone. However, for many children, these devices are the
primary means of communication. Turning them off means disconnecting
them from their surroundings, which can cause them feel more isolated.

c. Powerlessness
It might be challenging for cyberbullying victims to feel secure. They may
feel powerless and vulnerable. These emotions usually develop because
bullying can penetrate their home at any time of day or night via a computer
or mobile phone. They no longer have a safe haven to flee to.

Furthermore, given that the bullies can stay anonymous, this understanding
might increase fears.7 Even though some cyberbullies pick people they
know and have no issue identifying themselves, sometimes the individuals
who are targeted may not know who is causing them misery.

2. Mental Effects of Cyberbullying

Victims of persistent cyberbullying may perceive the world in a different way than
others. Life may feel hopeless and meaningless to many people.8

They might stop taking interest in activities they once found enjoyable and spend
less time connecting with friends and family. Depression and suicidal thoughts may
manifest in some conditions. Cyberbullying may have the following mental effects:
5
Ibid.
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid.
8
Ibid.
 a. Depression and Anxiety
Victims of cyberbullying may develop anxiety, depression, and other stress-
related disorders. The additional burden of dealing with cyberbullying on a
daily basis might cost their happiness and serenity. It can also heighten
feelings of worry and isolation.

Research has shown that increased levels of cyberbullying results in higher

levels of depression. According to a study, 93% of cyberbullying victims
experienced feelings of despair, powerlessness, and hopelessness.9

b. Low Self-Esteem
Cyberbullying frequently focuses on the areas where victims already feel
most exposed. For instance, a child who is self-conscious about a birthmark
may be bullied because of it.

Even if this is not the case, cyberbullying can have a negative influence on
self-esteem. Victims may develop a strong discontent with themselves. As a
result, people may begin to mistrust their own value and worth.

Researchers speculate that cyberbullying may lead to psychological

maladjustment, decreased well-being, and eventually low self-esteem
because young people have an overwhelming psychological urge to be a part
of and accepted by a peer group.10

c. Academic Issues
Children who experience cyberbullying may become disinterested in school.
As a result, they frequently have significantly higher rates of absenteeism
than the non-bullied kids. They may miss school to avoid confrontation with
the kids who are cyberbullying them, or because they may be ashamed and
humiliated by the remarks that were published online.11

Their ability to focus or study may deteriorate, affecting their grades. In rare
situations, children may drop out or lose interest in pursuing their education

9
Ibid.
10
Extremera N, Quintana-Orts C, Mérida-López S, Rey L. Cyberbullying victimization, self-esteem and suicidal
ideation in adolescence: does emotional intelligence play a buffering role? Front Psychol. 2018
11
Vaillancourt T, Faris R, Mishna F. Cyberbullying in children and youth: implications for health and clinical
practice. Can J Psychiatry. 2017;62(6):368-373. doi:10.1177/0706743716684791
 after high school.

d. Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm

In some cases, targets of cyberbullying react to their intense feelings by
injuring themselves. Some victims, for example, may harm themselves by
cutting or burning themselves. Several research have linked bullying and
self-harm.12

The risk of suicide is also increased by cyberbullying. Kids who are bullied
by their peers via text messages, instant messaging, social media, or apps
frequently start to believe that there is no hope and that the only way to get
rid of the agony is to commit suicide. 13 As a result, they may fantasize about
ending their life in order to escape their misery.14

3. Behavioural Effects of Cyberbullying

Children who are cyberbullied may exhibit the same behavioural changes as the
ones who are bullied in other ways. They may, for example, lose interest hobbies
and indulge in secretive behavior.

In extreme circumstances, or when cyberbullying is severe or persistent, children

may demonstrate even more substantial behavioural changes.15 These may include:

a. Using drugs or alcohol: Children who are victims of cyberbulling are more
prone to consume drugs or alcohol. According to a study, victims of
cyberbullying were 2.5 times more likely to use marijuana or binge drink as
compared to their peers.16

b. Skipping school: When children are subjected to cyberbullying, it can

sometimes be too much for them to even consider coming to school. As a result,
it's not unusual for children to miss school or behave in a way that gets them
12
Karanikola MNK, Lyberg A, Holm AL, Severinsson E. The association between deliberate self-harm and
school bullying victimization and the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma: a systematic
review. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:4745791. doi:10.1155/2018/4745791
13
Alavi N, Reshetukha T, Prost E, et al. Relationship between bullying and suicidal behaviour in youth
presenting to the emergency eepartment. J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017;26(2):70-77.
14
Ibid.
15
Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolesc Health Med Ther.
2014;5:143-158. Published 2014 Aug 1. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S36456
16
Ibid.
 suspended. According to a survey, those who had been cyberbullied reported
two or more suspensions or detentions in the prior year.17

c. Carrying a weapon: What's more alarming is that children who experience

cyberbullying are more inclined to carry a weapon to school.

4. Physical Effects of Cyberbullying

Being the subject of cyberbullies may be devastating, especially if many children are
involved.

Overwhelm and stress can appear physically, causing problems such as:18

a. Gastrointestinal Issues: Stress due to being bullied can also induce or

exacerbate problems such as abdominal pain, upset stomach and stomach
ulcers. Children may also experience frequent vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.19

b. Disordered eating: Children who are subjected to cyberbullying may affect

their eating patterns, skip meals or engaging in binge eating. They look to their
eating habits as something they can control since they feel like their lives are
out of control. These initiatives may develop into a full-fledged eating disorder,
particularly if the bullying affected the victim's perception of their body.20

c. Sleep disturbances: Cyberbullying can disrupt a person's sleeping patterns.

They may experience sleep problems such as nightmares, excessive sleeping, or
insomnia.21

It's crucial to consult your child's doctor if you observe any changes in your child's
eating or sleeping patterns or if they seem to be having more physical problems
than usual. These might be indications of more serious problems that need to be
examined.

17
Ybarra ML, Diener-West M, Leaf PJ. Examining the overlap in internet harassment and school bullying:
implications for school intervention. J Adolesc Health. 2007 Dec;41(6 Suppl 1):S42-50.
doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.09.004
18
Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolesc Health Med Ther.
2014;5:143-158. Published 2014 Aug 1. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S36456
19
Ibid.
20
Marco JH, Tormo-Irun MP. Cyber victimization is associated with eating disorder psychopathology in
adolescents. Front Psychol. 2018;9:987. Published 2018 Jun 14. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00987
21
Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolesc Health Med Ther.
2014;5:143-158. Published 2014 Aug 1. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S36456
Furthermore, cyberbullying can also be detrimental to one's relationships, self-esteem, and
reputation. Its negative impacts are especially severe for young people who are more active
in online platforms.

CHALLENGES IN COMBATING CYBERBULLYING

While India has made tremendous progress in combating cyberbullying through legal
provisions, there are substantial challenges in effectively countering this digital threat:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many individuals, especially young ones, might be unaware

of their legal remedies available to them for when they face cyberbullying. The
concept of Cyberbullying is beyond the reach or scope of comprehension of people
living in rural areas. Elevating awareness regarding cyberbullying laws and their
enforcement is imperative.

2. Delayed Legal Processes: Delays in the Indian legal system frequently hurt
victims' chances of receiving justice. To ensure that cases of cyberbullying are
quickly resolved, swift and effective legal procedures are necessary.

3. Anonymity and Jurisdictional Issues: Because of the anonymity afforded by the

internet, identifying cyberbullies can be difficult. Furthermore, jurisdictional
concerns occur when cyberbullies operate from other states or even different
countries, making prosecution difficult.

4. Overburdened Law Enforcement: In India, law enforcement agencies are often

overburdened with a large number of cases. Adequate training and resources are
required to address cyberbullying cases competently.

5. Inadequate Reporting: Due to fear, embarrassment, or a lack of faith in the justice

system, many cyberbullying victims may be reluctant to report incidences. It is
crucial to encourage victims to report cyberbullying and provide them with the
necessary support.

6. Changing Nature of Technology: Since cyberbullies are skilled at adapting to new

platforms and technology, it is difficult for legislation to keep up with the
constantly expanding and evolving forms of cyberbullying.

WARNING SIGNS OF CYBERBULLYING

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, thus all parents are urged to keep an eye
on their kids' online activities, even if it can be challenging given that children have
technology at the tip of their fingers in the shape of mobile phones, laptops, computers, etc.
Teenagers and adolescents are especially prone to cyberbullying since they have a limited
comprehension of what is good and wrong. Parents make an effort to monitor their child's
online behavior and keep an eye on any changes in their behavior, but they are still unable
to keep things under control.

Some of the warning signs that the parents need to pay an attention to are as follows:

a. Significant increase or decrease in the child's use of a smartphone or laptop,

b. Exhibiting negative emotions such as anger or rage while using on their device.

c. The child’s tendency to keep their online activity private.

d. Closing or hiding the device’s screen when others are too close.

e. Sudden deactivation or creation of new social media accounts.

f. Displaying disregard for social events, get-togethers, and other outdoor activities.

Therefore, it is necessary for the parents to be careful and detect the above, among other,
warning signs. And for this, the parents need to be educated through every means possible.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN INDIA

India has acknowledged the critical need for legislation to address cyberbullying and has
made initiatives to combat this threat. Several laws and regulations have been enacted to
safeguard people against cyberbullying, with the primary legislation being the Information
Technology Act, 2000, and its subsequent amendments.

1. Information Technology Act, 2000:

The Information Technology Act, 2000, and its subsequent amendments in 2008
and 2021, is the fundamental legal framework for dealing with cyberbullying in
India. The act defines numerous forms of cybercrime and imposes penalties for
offenses related to cyberbullying, including online harassment and cyberstalking.
Some of the key legal provisions include:
 a. Section 66A – Sending offensive information through electronic
means:22 This section had received widespread criticism for its vague
language and potential for abuse as a result of which it was struck down by
the Supreme Court of India in 2015 in the case of Shreya Singhal vs. Union
of India.23

b. Section 66C – Identity theft: If anyone uses the passwords or signatures or

any unique identification, fraudulently or dishonestly, the person shall be
punished with imprisonment of up to 3 years and fine of up to 1 lakh
rupees.24

c. Section 66D – Impersonation by using computer resource: If anyone uses

the computer device/resources to cheat any other person by personation,
then that person shall be punished with imprisonment for a time period
which may extend to 3 years and shall also be liable to fine up to 1 lakh
rupees.25

d. Section 66E – Violation of Privacy: Capturing, publishing, or transmitting

images of a person's private area without their consent is punishable with
imprisonment for three years or with fine not exceeding two lakh rupees, or
with both.26 This provision targets cases where intimate or explicit images
are disseminated without the individual's consent, a form of cyberbullying
known as "revenge porn."

Section 67 – Publishing Obscene Material: It addresses the publishing or

transmission of obscene material in electronic form, encompassing text,
images, or videos. Anyone in found in violation of this section shall be
punished with imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of up to 10 lakh
rupees on first conviction, and an imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine
of up to 10 lakh rupees on second and subsequent conviction. 27 This
provision can be invoked against individuals who engage in online
harassment by disseminating explicit or offensive content.
22
Information Technology Act, 2000
23
Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India, AIR 2015 SC 1523
24
Information Technology Act, 2000
25
Ibid.
26
Information Technology Act, 2000
27
Ibid.
 e. Section 72 – Breach of privacy using electronic media: Any person
who is responsible for and has secured access to an electronic record,
information, documents, or other material in electronic form shall be
punished if he discloses the information, without the consent of the owner of
the information, to any person, whether known to the owner of the
information or not.28

2. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860

The Indian Penal Code, which came into existence in the year 1860 in every British
Presidency, is the official criminal code of India that encompasses all substantive
components of criminal law. Provisions that directly or indirectly deal with
cyberbullying are:

a. Section 292A – Printing, selling, advertising grossly indecent or

scurrilous matter or matter intended for blackmail: Whoever prints,
sells, advertises grossly indecent or scurrilous material or any other material
with the intent to blackmail shall be punished with imprisonment of up to 2
years and/or with fine on first conviction and an imprisonment of not less
than 6 months and not more than 2 years.29

b. Section 354A – Making sexually coloured remarks, guilty of the offense

of sexual harassment: Anyone who makes a sexually coloured remark shall
be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or
with fine, or with both.30

c. Section 354D – Stalking: Any man who repeatedly follows, contacts, or

monitors a woman's electronic communications despite her clear disinterest
commits the offence of stalking and can be imprisoned for up to three years
on first conviction and up to five years on subsequent convictions, along with
a fine.31

d. Section Sec. 419 – Cheating by Personation: Whoever cheats another by

personation shall be charged and punished with fine and/or imprisonment up
28
Ibid.
29
The Indian Penal Code, 1860
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
 to 3 years.32

e. Section 499 – Sending defamatory messages through email: Any person

who by words or gesture with the intention to harm the other, with the
knowledge of such intention, publishes such words or gesture in visible
representation shall be liable for the defamation charge under this section.
Section 500 punishes the person who is held guilty for defamation shall be
punished imprisonment up to two years and/or with fine.33

f. Section 503 – Criminal Intimidation by email: 34 It deals with the offense

of sending threatening messages via email to harm the reputation of the
person. It is different from cyberbullying as it is saying or writing something
on the online platform that harms the esteem and reputation of the person.

g. Section 507 – Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication:

This section makes it a criminal offence to intimidate a person through
anonymous communication, which includes any letter, message, or other
communication sent without revealing the sender’s identity. This offence is
punishable with imprisonment for a term of up to two years, or with a fine,
or with both.35

h. Section 509 – Insulting the Modesty of Women: 36 While not tailored

exclusively to cyberbullying, Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code
criminalizes any act intended to insult the modesty of a woman, including
through electronic communication. This section can be applied to cases of
online harassment and bullying targeting women.

Despite the fact that there are anti-cyberbullying laws in place, just a few victims disclose
cases of cyberbullying. The vast majority prefers to remain silent, hoping that the situation
will improve on its own.

There are a few crucial problems that policy-makers need to take into account if they want to change
people's mindsets. For instance, the policy-makers could develop policies that are child-friendly and

32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
34
Ibid.
35
Ibid.
36
Ibid.
explain why cyberbullying is harmful to both society and children.

Furthermore, it is crucial to clarify the academic or legal concept of bullying as well. Dr. K.
Jaishankar, a distinguished criminologist, defines cyberbullying in his book 'Cyber Bullying:
Profile and Policy Guidelines' as "abuse/harassment by teasing or insulting the victims' body
shape, intellect, family background, dress sense, mother tongue, place of origin, attitude,
race, caste, or class using modern telecommunication networks such as mobile phones and
Internet."

RECENT AMENDMENTS AND GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Recognizing the ever-changing nature of cyberbullying, India has embarked on efforts to
strengthen its legal framework and promote cyber safety. Some noteworthy amendments
and initiatives encompass:

1. Amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2021: In February 2021, the

Indian government proposed amendments to the Information Technology Act to
address problems related to online content, including cyberbullying. The
amendments seek to furnish a framework for regulation for social media
intermediaries, requiring them to remove content that violates certain criteria
including risks to public order or national security.

2. Cyber Crime prevention against women and children scheme (CCPWC

Scheme): A grant of INR 87.12 crore was given to states and UTs under the
CCPWA scheme for the establishment of cyber forensic training labs and the
prevention of cybercrime. Additionally, INR 6 crores were provided to improve
police and prosecutor training. Different divisions established under the CCPWA
scheme are in charge of reporting online criminal acts and related investigations,
analyzing reports of cybercrime, and spotting any concerning cybercrime situations.

3. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) Scheme: I4C serves as a crucial

instrument in the battle against cybercrime by preventing unauthorized usage of
social space. Furthermore, it is aided by rapid technical breakthroughs and
multinational organizations to work on a variety of activities. Its goal is to address
various concerns raised by online media, paying special attention to victims who
are women and children and raising awareness among youth.
 4. Cyber Crime Reporting Portals: Various states in India have established
specialized cybercrime reporting portals, simplifying the procedure of reporting
cyberbullying and other cybercrimes. These portals allow victims to report
cybercrime incidents online, making it easier for people to seek help.

5. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: NCCR portal is an initiative of the

Government of India that allows victims of online criticism, particularly women
and children, to file online complaints. They provide immediate response on
complaints with the assistance of local police.

6. Cyber Safety Awareness Programs: In India, a large number of governmental and

non-governmental organizations have launched cyber safety awareness programs
that are aimed at educational institutions including schools and colleges. These
initiatives aim to spread safe internet habits and educate children, parents, and
teachers about the dangers of cyberbullying.

7. Digital Literacy Initiatives: Promoting digital literacy is critical in preventing and

responding to cyberbullying. India has launched a slew of initiatives aimed at
increasing digital literacy among its people, equipping them with the information
and skills needed to securely navigate the online world.

8. IFF Lab (Incognito Forensic Foundation): The next stage in identifying,

detecting, and alleviating offences in cyber-crime, including cyberbullying, is being
assisted by consultation service provided by digital forensic services, particularly in
Indian cities such as Chennai and Bangalore. Many law enforcement agencies now
utilize it for investigating incidents of cyberbullying and online defamation.

CASE STUDIES
In Q3 2023, around 64.5% of the world's population, i.e., 5.19 billion people, used social
media, portraying an annual growth rate of 2%. 37 As the number of users grows, so does
cyberbullying; as per a UNICEF poll, more than 33% of youth in 30 countries globally are
victims of online bullying.38 Furthermore, it has been observed that 1 in every 5 students
has avoided school owing to fear of cyberbullying and assault. 52,974 instances of
cybercrime were recorded in India in 2021, according to NCRB.
37
Digital Around the World. (2023) available at Digital Around the World — DataReportal – Global Digital
Insights (Last Visited on 1 October, 2023)
38
UNICEF. (2020). available at Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it | UNICEF
 Let's examine some prominent case studies to shed light on the impact of cyberbullying in
the real-world:

1. Ooshmal Ullas Case (2016): In November 2016, Ooshmal Ullas, a 23-year-old

MBBS student at KMCT Medical College in Mukkam, Kerala, committed suicide
by jumping off the fourth of her college building after being cyberbullied over a
Facebook post, injuring her back, legs, and head.39

2. Woman kills self over ‘WhatsApp bullying' (2018): In January 2018, a 20-year-
old Hindu woman committed suicide in Karnataka after being harassed on
WhatsApp over her friendship with a Muslim man.40

3. Bois Locker Room (2020): The "Bois Locker Room" case involved a group of
Delhi male students, primarily teenagers, creating a private Instagram chatroom in
May 2020 to share explicit photos of girls without their consent and engage in
discussions objectifying them. The incident sparked outrage and highlighted issues
of cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy, toxic masculinity, and gender-based
violence. It led to investigations, arrests, and discussions about the need for digital
literacy and gender sensitivity education among youth in India. The incident
highlighted the importance of better digital education, addressing toxic masculinity
and fostering respect for gender equality in society.41

Girl kills self over ‘Facebook Harassment’ (2014): On 26 June 2014, a 17-years-
old girl committed suicide after her online friend Faisal Imam Khan, a 23-year-old
college student, along with his friends Satish and Deepak, prepared a fake profile
of the girl, morphed her photos and posted them on Facebook along with her cell
phone number saying she was ‘seeking friends’ and was ‘open to relationship’.42

4. The Priyanka Reddy Case (2019): The brutal rape and murder of Dr. Priyanka
Reddy in Hyderabad shocked the nation. Cyberbullies, on the other hand, exploited
the tragedy to promote false information, victim-blaming, and offensive content. The

39
“MBBS Student Commits Suicide In Kerala, Facebook Post Hints At Cyber Bullying” available at MBBS
Student Commits Suicide in Kerala, Facebook Post Hints at Cyber Bullying | India.com (Last Modified 16
November, 2017)
40
“India woman kills self over WhatsApp bullying” available at India woman kills self 'over WhatsApp
bullying' - BBC News (Last Modified 9 January, 2018)
41
“Delhi Police arrests Instagram group admin in 'bois locker room' case; 27 other members identified”
available at Delhi Police arrests Instagram group admin in 'bois locker room' case; 27 other members identified-
India News , Firstpost (Last Modified 6 May, 2020)
42
“Girl kills self over Facebook harassment” available at Girl kills self over Facebook harassment | Kolkata
News - Times of India (indiatimes.com) (Last Modified 26 June, 2014)
 instance exposed insensitivity some people on social media and sparked debate about
ethical online behavior during such sensitive incidents.

5. The Blue Whale Challenge: The Blue Whale Challenge was a disturbing online
phenomenon that emerged in 2016. It involved a series of tasks administered by
anonymous "curators" to vulnerable individuals, typically teenagers, over a 50-day
period. These tasks escalated in severity, culminating in a final challenge to commit
self-harm or suicide. Participants were often subjected to emotional manipulation
and threats by the curators. They were made to believe that their personal
information or secrets would be exposed if they didn't complete the tasks. The
game led to a number of reported suicides worldwide, raising concerns about online
safety and the influence of social media on young people. Authorities worldwide
launched awareness campaigns and investigations to combat the game, emphasizing
the importance of digital safety and mental health support for young people.43

CONCLUSION
Cyberbullying is a growing concern in India, as it is in numerous other parts of the globe.
The easy to use of digital communication and the cloak of anonymity it provides make it an
effective instrument for harassment and intimidation. Nonetheless, India has made
significant progress in combating cyberbullying through legal remedies, amendments to
existing legislation, and public awareness campaigns. To effectively combat cyberbullying,
it is critical to consistently raise awareness about cyberbullying laws and provide
continuous support to the victims. Additionally, Law enforcement agencies must also be
properly trained and equipped to handle cyberbullying cases quickly and effectively. In
order to create a safer online environment for everyone, collaboration between the
government bodies, non-government organizations, educational institutions, and
technology platforms is essential. In the digital era, the war against cyberbullying is
perpetual, necessitating a collective effort to ensure that people may enjoy the benefits of
the internet without fear of harassment or harm. India can continue making progress in
combating cyberbullying and safeguarding its citizens online by strengthening legislative
frameworks, promoting digital literacy, and cultivating a culture of online respect and
accountability.

43
“Blue Whale: What is the truth behind an online 'suicide challenge'?” available at Blue Whale: What is the
truth behind an online 'suicide challenge'? - BBC News (Last Modified 13 January, 2019)