Shuvosangho holds cyberbullying awareness session in Lalmonirhat

Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised a discussion in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat on Wednesday to raise awareness about preventing cyberbullying, online harassment and misuse of personal information.

The Hatibandha upazila unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised the event at Government Alimuddin Degree College, with local leaders of the organisation presiding over the session.

Shuvosangho’s Hatibandha upazila unit adviser and lecturer at the college Md Zakir Hossain spoke as the keynote discussant.

In his speech, Zakir said a significant part of young people's lives was now spent online. While social media was an important means of gaining knowledge and communicating, its misuse could have serious consequences for personal lives, he said.

“Insulting or humiliating someone, spreading unwanted information, or sharing someone's personal photos or information without permission also constitutes cyberbullying,” he said.

He said cyberbullying could leave a person mentally distressed and stressed the need to consider the possible consequences before posting or commenting online.

“Young people need to be responsible and humane alongside using technology,” he said.

Afsana Nahid Akhi, a representative of the Lalmonirhat district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho, said cyberbullying was not confined to the online world and could have negative effects on people's real lives.

“An offensive remark or humiliating post can damage a person's confidence and peace of mind. So, we all need to behave responsibly online,” she said.

She advised victims of cyberbullying not to remain silent and to inform their family members, teachers or someone they trust.

“If necessary, report and block the offender on the relevant platform and preserve screenshots as evidence. We should also refrain from mocking or ridiculing anyone over their personal matters,” she said.