Cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread concern in the contemporary digital era, as harassment across diverse online platforms has become increasingly frequent. This type of bullying poses significant threats to the mental health and overall well-being of individuals. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.  What is Cyberbullying or Cyber Harassment? Cyberbullying, also known as cyber harassment, refers to the use of digital communication tools such as social media platforms, messaging apps, or online forums to intimidate, threaten, or harass individuals. This form of bullying encompasses various actions, including sending hurtful messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent, and creating fake accounts to impersonate and harass someone.  Cyberbullying can occur anonymously, making it difficult to identify perpetrators. Also, it can have profound and lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of victims. Read more: '80% of cyberbullying victims are women' Types of Cyberbullying Harassment Harassment entails sending mean or threatening messages to someone online. It can be done through text messages, emails, social media posts, or online chat rooms. Exclusion  Exclusion involves intentionally leaving someone out of an online group or activity. For instance, a cyberbully might create a social media group and exclude their target. Outing and Doxxing  Doxxing includes sharing someone's private information online without their consent. For example, their home address, phone number, or embarrassing photos. Read more: Online bullying serious problem for 85% of Bangladesh youths: Survey Impersonation  Impersonation means creating a fake online profile and pretending to be someone else. The cyberbully can then use this fake profile to send mean messages or damage the victim's reputation. Trickery  Trickery mainly is deceiving someone into sharing personal information or embarrassing photos. For example, a cyberbully might create a fake survey to obtain personal details. Cyberstalking  This involves using technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. This includes sending threatening messages or tracking the victim's online activity. Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men? Flaming  Flaming is described as posting angry or insulting messages on someone's social media page or online forum. Trolling  Trolling entails posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online forum to upset other users. Fraping  A frape happens when someone changes another person’s information on social media without them knowing or giving permission.  Read more: How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse? Impacts of Cyber Harassment Emotional Distress  Cyberbullying can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including feelings of sadness, humiliation, and anger. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, constantly anticipating the next hurtful encounter, which undermines their sense of safety and well-being. Psychological Effects Research shows a significant correlation between cyberbullying and psychological challenges. Victims of cyberbullying frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.  The relentless influx of derogatory messages and harassment often fosters sentiments of powerlessness and diminished self-worth. Also, the incessant negativity and pressure can prove overwhelming for those targeted. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Damage  Cyberbullying can cause individuals to retreat from both online and offline social interactions, fearing additional harassment or scrutiny from their peers. This can foster feelings of isolation and solitude. Additionally, cyberbullying can profoundly impact an individual's self-esteem, as the recurrent attacks can engender feelings of worthlessness and insecurity.  Academic Consequences  The emotional distress caused by cyberbullying can impact victims' ability to concentrate on their studies and perform academically. Consequently, this can lead to a decline in grades and overall academic performance of the bullied person. Physical Health Issues  The prolonged stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying can manifest in physical health problems such as headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Victims may also experience changes in appetite and energy levels. Read more: Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing Long-term Effects  The effects of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate harassment, affecting victims' long-term mental health and well-being. Some individuals may carry the trauma of cyberbullying into adulthood, impacting their relationships and overall quality of life. Bystander Effects  Observing cyberbullying can exacerbate mental health issues and foster an atmosphere of apprehension and vulnerability. It can instil fear of becoming a target, erode trust in online interactions and impact individuals' well-being.  What to do If You Experience Cyberbullying in Bangladesh Stay Calm It is essential to maintain composure and refrain from impulsive reactions to harassment. Responding to the bully may exacerbate the situation, as it gratifies their desire for a reaction. So, try to resist the temptation to engage with their messages or posts. Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change Document Evidence It is important to document instances of cyberbullying, whether through screenshots of messages or posts or by noting down dates and times. This evidence will prove invaluable should you need to report the bullying at a later stage. Reach Out for Support It is highly recommended to discuss your experiences with a reliable friend, family member, another trusted adult, or mental health professional. They can provide valuable support and advice on navigating through the situation effectively. Block the Bully You may utilise privacy settings to block the person responsible for the harassment from reaching out to you further. Most social media platforms and messaging apps offer the option to block individuals. It can effectively prevent any further contact with them. Read more: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention Report the Abuse to the Platform Utilising the available reporting tools to report instances of cyberbullying is crucial. Most social media platforms and online forums provide mechanisms for reporting abusive behaviour. Report the cyberbullying to the relevant website or platform, as they typically have anti-bullying policies and may take disciplinary action against the perpetrator, such as suspending their account. Seek Legal Advice In instances of severe cyberbullying, it is advisable to seek advice from a legal professional. The available remedies for cyberbullying may vary depending on individual circumstances. Victims are advised to seek legal counsel from a lawyer knowledgeable about cyberbullying and relevant laws for guidance. File a Report Victims of cyberbullying have the option to file a criminal complaint with the police under the Cyber Security Act of 2023. This act criminalises cyberbullying and imposes imprisonment and/or fines on offenders found guilty. Read more: Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill 2023 Cyber Crime Help Desk Bangladesh Police operates a Cyber Crime Help Desk for women (https://www.police.gov.bd/en/police_cyber_support_for_women) where victims can report incidents of cyberbullying and seek assistance. Evidence and proof (links, screenshots, etc) of cyberbullying can be forwarded via email to [email protected]  Also, victims can lodge complaints through multiple channels, including the dedicated hotlines at the Police Headquarters, the nearest police station or the official Facebook page of "Cyber Police Centre, CID, Bangladesh Police." Alternative Reporting Cybercrime victims also have the option to file complaints with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) by calling their hotlines or emailing [email protected].  Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention BTRC pledges to take action within 24 hours, with perpetrators brought to justice within 3 days of filing the complaint. The government has also introduced a cyber-crime helpline at +88-02-55007183 for victims to report their complaints. Consider Civil Suit Victims can pursue a civil suit for damages against the perpetrator, seeking compensation for emotional distress and reputation damage caused by cyberbullying. In cases of criminal intimidation, the perpetrator may be liable under the Penal Code 1860. Seek Restraining Orders Although the term "restraining order" is not specifically defined in Bangladesh’s law, victims can apply under relevant sections before a competent executive magistrate to prohibit a perpetrator from making unlawful contact. Read more: Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help Take Care of Yourself The emotional strain of cyberbullying can impact your mental well-being. You should prioritise self-care by reaching out to loved ones, participating in activities that bring you joy, and seeking professional assistance if necessary. Concentrate on self-nurturing activities to alleviate stress during this demanding period.  Verdict  Cyber harassment is a serious issue that can have profound consequences on individuals' lives. It is crucial to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, take proactive measures to protect oneself and seek support if victimised. By working together to combat cyberbullying, we can create safer and more inclusive online communities. Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has resumed the online transfer system of the assistant teachers of the government primary schools after closure for long days. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain resumed the online transfer system at an event at his ministry on Wednesday. Primary and Mass Education Ministry Senior secretary Aminul Islam Khan and Directorate General of Primary Education Mohibur Rahman, among others, spoke. On the first day, online transfers were made at 18 primary schools in Kaliakair of Gazipur on pilot basis.  The transfer system will be completed through software developed by the ministry.   The online transfer system was introduced to make the transfer of primary school teachers easy and hassle-free. However, the implementation of the programme  was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On June 30 this year, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque inaugurated the pilot programme of the system in Gazipur. Teachers who have applied till July 15, 2022 will be included under the pilot programme. After completion of the pilot programme, online transfer of primary teachers will be started across the country. Read also: Primary teacher recruitment: 40, 862 qualified for viva-voce in first phase exam

Telecom operator Grameenphone recently organised an F-commerce event for Kansat Aam Aroddar Shomobay Shomiti at Shibganj, Chapainawabganj. The activity was simultaneously organised at Baneshwar in Rajshahi and Rangpur. The nine-day campaign helped about 11,000 mango farmers and entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of how to operate their businesses online. Read: Grameenphone, NEG sign MoU on Philip Kotler's book The primary market of mangoes in Bangladesh lies in the north of Rajshahi. Over the past few years, mango businesses for farmers in the north have been thriving over the digital sphere. To help the community of mango farmers and businessmen reach greater heights, Grameenphone is empowering the mango farmers from the northern zone, enabling them to sell mangoes using F-commerce and optimum digital integration. Sajjad Hasib, CMO of Grameenphone, said: "Now online marketplaces are minimising the middleman and maximising profit for the mango growers' communities at the grassroots level." Read GP, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society distribute relief among flood-hit people Redwanur Rahman Moon, an F-commerce mango seller from Rajshahi, said: "People from all over the country stay eager to order mangoes for themselves and their families during this season. Despite huge demand, we struggle with many technical problems that bar our business from expanding to the level we wish to go. We are thankful to Grameenphone for equipping us with digital skills."

After 27 days of stalemate Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) will resume all its academic activities online from Tuesday. The decision came after an emergency syndicate meeting of the university led by Vice Chancellor Farid Uddin Ahmed on Sunday evening. A day after the protesting students suspended their movement demanding his resignation. "The residential halls for students will be reopened from Monday and physical classes, exams will resume from February 22 if the government does not impose any more restrictions for Covid-19, '' said Ishfaqul Hossain, Registrar of the university. Read:SUST students suspend movement after meeting with ministers SUST authority announced a shutdown following a clash on the campus between police and the protesting students on January 16. The students were asked to leave the dormitories by 12pm the next day. The police action on the students triggered a long protest and hunger strike in campus rejecting the authority’s orders. The students of SUST suspended their movement on Saturday following a successful meeting with Education Minister Dipu Moni on Friday. They suspended the protest after VC Farid Uddin Ahmed expressed regret over the police action on protesting students on January 16 and apologised earlier on Saturday. On Friday, regarding the student’s demand for VC's resignation, Dipu Moni said it will be placed before the President as he is the Chancellor of the university, holding the power to appoint and remove someone from the post of VC. Regarding the two cases filed against the protesting students, she said arrangements will be made to withdraw those cases as soon as possible. The protests began in the middle of January. Over two dozen SUST students who went on fast unto death ended their strike on January 26. They broke the fast after former SUST Prof Zafar Iqbal offered them water to drink. The students embarked on the hunger strike on the university campus on January 19, demanding the resignation of the VC over the police crackdown on their fellows. The strike was launched after police swooped on the protesting students, charging batons and firing sound grenades and shotgun bullets. On the other hand, the police had filed a case against 300 unnamed protesting students. Read: SUST VC finally apologises over cop attack on students The alleged attack was carried out to free the VC from confinement in the university’s IICT building, and it had left 40 people hurt, including teachers, students and cops.  Zafrin Ahmed, a provost of Begum Sirajunnesa Chowdhury Hall, was at the centre of the initial unrest as she allegedly misbehaved with some students on January 13 when they met her with some complaints. She later resigned from her post, citing health issues.

For 85 per cent of Bangladeshi youths online bullying is a severe problem, according to a Grameenphone and Telenor Group survey run in association with Plan International during August-September. The survey was conducted among youths on how internet use and online bullying trends have changed across Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand, with Covid-19 as the backdrop. Of the 3,930 respondents in the regional survey, 16 per cent respondents were youths from Bangladesh.  READ: HC orders probe into death of a school student due to bullying Twenty-nine per cent of Bangladesh youths said they were bullied before the pandemic, 18 per cent said they experienced more online bullying since the onset of Covid-19. Eight per cent of youths experienced online bullying at least once a week or more since the pandemic.  The three most common platforms where youths experienced online bullying were social media, messaging apps, and online gaming and video game streaming platforms.  To stop the bullying online, respondents in the four countries said that they took several measures to safeguard themselves, which included ignoring the bully, which resulted in the person stopping, changing security settings online so the person could not contact them, and speaking to a parent or guardian about the problem. The survey also revealed that 86 per cent of youths surveyed in Bangladesh spent more time on the internet since Covid-19 began. In addition, 35 per cent of youth in Bangladesh said they used the internet all the time, 15 per cent used it mainly in the evenings, and only 2 per cent limited their use to only during school hours.  Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said: "There is no denying our future generation needs digital skills and are active users of the internet. So, we need to intensify cooperation and commitment with various stakeholders to keep them safe. The survey results set a call to action to focus on this issue collectively." READ: UNDP launches 'MyResponse' campaign against cyberbullying "With the marked increase in time spent on the internet by youth during the pandemic, there is a clear need to better equip youth with ways and methods to protect themselves online. Awareness, training on online bullying, and digital building resilience are crucial to be a multi-stakeholder exercise. This should not be left just to educational institutions but should also involve parents and caregivers," said Manisha Dogra, VP, Sustainability for Telenor in Asia. 

By 2025, all public and private services in the country will be available online. This has been announced by State Minister for ICT Division ZunaidAhmed Palak. “The government is working to make all citizen services available online in four years, which will create 30 lakh IT and ITES jobs," the Minister said. He was addressing a virtual programme on Friday night on the occasion of the launch of the Bangladesh chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), as the chief guest. READ: 35,000 modern digital labs to be installed to give more access to girls: Palak Already 60 lakh people are availing citizen services online through 7,000 digital centres across the country, Zunaid said. "The government has adopted a strategy of ‘Mission 5 billion dollars’ to earn 5 billion US dollars and achieve growth by 2025. Already one million dollars has been achieved," said Palak. A draft strategy of the Made-in-Bangladesh-ICT industry has been prepared for producing digital devices in the country, he said. Palak said the payment system has been digitised, which has led to rapid growth of mobile financial services and e-commerce. In April 2021, some Tk 63,479 crore were transacted through mobile phone apps. The growth of e-commerce is about 166 percent. Already 8,000 Sheikh Russel digital labs have been set up at educational institutions to make the citizens ready for the fourth industrial revolution. READ: KEPZ Hi-Tech park will attract huge FDI, hopes Palak Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre has been established in 64 districts. Besides, Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology and some 39 high-tech parks are being built in Bangladesh.

The European Union (EU) in Bangladesh launched the very first film festival in Bangladesh on Wednesday titled "Bangladesh European Union Film Festival (BEUFF)", in partnership with all European Union Member States Embassies in Dhaka: Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, as well as the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh and the Alliance Française de Dhaka. Making the occasion of the 50 years' celebration of Bangladesh's independence and the friendship between the EU and Bangladesh, the maiden edition of BEUFF is showcasing a total of 21 films and will virtually run till June 30.  Read Rehana Maryam Noor: The Bangladeshi Film in the prestigious list of Cannes The festival is featuring 7 Bangladeshi films from young aspiring filmmakers, 7 EU feature films, and 7 international short films on climate change. All the films will be screened on the online platform Festival Scope and available free of cost to all audiences residing in Bangladesh.  Furthermore, all seven European movies will be subtitled in Bangla to eliminate the barriers of languages, according to the European Union (EU). It also says that the festival will unfold a new chapter in the EU's cultural exchange with Bangladesh and further shed light on vital issues such as education and skill development, climate change adaptation, food and nutrition security, good governance, safe migration and sustainable reintegration of refugees, empowerment of women and girls: EU's priorities for development cooperation in Bangladesh. READ: Curtains down on 14th International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh A dedicated website (www.beuff.org) was launched at 12 am on June 9th, allowing the audiences access to all films and other information related to the festival. The festival's side events will also include masterclasses, questions/answer sessions with directors, discussions on gender representations in cinema, having a strong focus on women's issues and climate change. The implementing partners of BEUFF are Particip GmbH, RedOrange Media and Communications and Goopy Bagha Productions Limited. READ: Bangladesh participates in WHO’s Health for All Film Festival 2021

A court trial went online in east China's Shandong Province amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China.

As the novel coronavirus spreads and claims more lives, misinformation about its origin and scale is gaining traction on the web.

Dhaka, Sept 24 (UNB) – Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber ​​Security and Crime Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mishuk Chakma has said 70 percent of the women, reportedly harassed online in the city, are in the 15-25 age group.