Discussion held on cyberbullying, digital safety in Noakhali

An awareness discussion on cyberbullying and digital safety was held in Noakhali on Sunday to promote safe internet use among the younger generation.

The Noakhali district unit Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised the event at Noakhali Union High School.

As part of the programme, saplings were also distributed among students to encourage environmental conservation.

The programme was chaired by Nazib Ahmed Nabil, president of the Noakhali district unit Shuvosangho, while Meherab Hossain Sayem, general secretary of the district unit, conducted the session.

Speakers at the event said that in today's technology-driven world, the internet and social media have become an integral part of everyday life. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also pose growing risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, the spread of misinformation, identity theft, financial fraud and misuse of personal information. 

They stressed that every citizen should be aware of digital safety and use technology responsibly.

The speakers explained that cyberbullying includes insulting, threatening or abusing others on social media, spreading rumours, or sharing someone's personal photos or information without consent. 

Such behaviour can have long-term negative effects on an individual’s confidence, mental health and social life, they said, adding that cyberbullying should never be treated as a trivial issue.

They also highlighted the importance of using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links and phishing messages, limiting the sharing of personal information on social media and practising responsible online behaviour to ensure a safe digital life.

Addressing the students, they advised anyone facing online harassment or fraud not to remain silent but to inform their family members, teachers or the relevant authorities.

They also encouraged victims to preserve evidence and seek legal assistance when necessary.

At the end of the programme, Bashundhara Shuvosangho distributed tree saplings among the participating students and urged them to plant more trees to protect the environment, promote greenery and help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Among others present at the event were Noakhali Union High School Headmaster Md Fazlul Haque, Noakhali district unit Shuvosangho Vice-President Labib Chowdhury, Joint General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Piyal, Organising Secretary Afifa Sultana, Office Secretary Istiha Shabnam, Literature and Culture Secretary Arpita Rani Majumder, and Environment and Climate Affairs Secretary Humayra Afroz.