The Role of Law in Combating Cyberbullying and Protecting Society Members
Law and awareness are essential to combat cyberbullying.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Cyberbullying is one of the issues that has led to increased use of social media and personal smartphones among young people, including school and university students. This problem is not solely about technology, but also about people’s behavior and their respect for others. It has become common for some young people to post comments or offensive images without realizing the psychological impact such actions can have on others. Therefore, it is essential to combine awareness campaigns with the enforcement of the law. What matters most is establishing legal rules to curb the misuse of modern communication tools. Freedom of internet use does not justify offending others, disclosing their private information, or mocking them.
Legal rules are binding, and violations carry legal penalties. Penalties are imposed to deter individuals in society from engaging in unlawful conduct, thereby discouraging and preventing cyberbullying and protecting the community from its harms. It is also important to disseminate legal provisions among young people and inform them of their responsibilities when using the internet. The public and private sectors, as well as schools and universities, have a significant role in teaching young people to respect others and to use technology optimally, avoiding negative interactions that may encourage cyberbullying.
Equally important is providing support and guidance to victims, rather than focusing solely on punishing offenders. I conclude my article by emphasizing the need to confront cyberbullying and affirm the shared responsibility of all individuals, families, educational institutions, and judicial authorities in combating it. While the law ensures protection and deterrence, awareness, education, and supervision will help prevent many of the harms it causes, contributing to the building of a safer digital community for everyone.
College of Business Studies / Law Major