Cyberbullying, a scourge cultivated by widespread influence of social media, has exploded into an epidemic of unprecedented proportions, leaving a path of misery behind in surge of digital connectivity.

A terrible phantom haunts the corridors of online, playing on teenagers' innocence and disturbing the peace of their formative years in this digital age.

In this cyber world, where anonymity frequently encourages the cruel and cowardly, teenagers are bombarded with nasty remarks, harmful rumors, and unrelenting taunting. Recent studies have shown an alarming reality: a large proportion of youngsters report being victims of cyberbullying, stuck in a never-ending loop of online abuse exacerbated by the anonymity and reach of social media platforms.

The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System discovered that approximately 16% of high school students had been cyberbullied the previous year. According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center, 73 percent of cyberbullied teens were targeted on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat.

Because social media platforms are so public, statements may quickly reach a large number of people. Furthermore, social networking platforms allow users to anonymously express their opinions and sentiments, making it simpler for them to be cruel or unpleasant.

The social media platforms bear a crucial responsibility to cultivate safer online environments, implementing robust moderation systems and nurturing a culture of respect and inclusivity.

While progress has been made, the battle against cyberbullying rages on, demanding continued vigilance and concerted efforts to safeguard the mental health and well-being of teenagers everywhere.

The insidious nature of cyberbullying knows no boundaries, seeping into every facet of a teenager's life, poisoning their social interactions, corroding their academic performance, and eroding their mental well-being.

For many, the onslaught of hateful messages and derogatory comments becomes an inescapable nightmare, haunting their digital presence and permeating offline reality.

Taking off away all the layers reveals the devastating consequences of cyberbullying. The consequences are significant and sad, ranging from low self-esteem and terrible despair to crippling anxiety and even suicidal ideation. Tragically, too many teenagers succumb to the weight of their pain, becoming entangled in a web of despair from which there appears to be no escape.

As we combat this digital plague, let us not ignore the agony that it causes. Let us band together as a community, steadfast in our determination to end online abuse and create a brighter, safer future for generations to come. Only then will we be able to realize technology's true promise as a force for universal connection, compassion, and empowerment.

Cyberbullying can have long-term and serious consequences for teenagers. Victims frequently experience increased stress, worry, and sadness, which can affect their academic performance, social relationships, and general well-being. In extreme circumstances, cyberbullying has been connected to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Cyberbullying can have a negative impact on teens' academic performance. They may have trouble concentrating, and even be too embarrassed to go to school or participate in class. They may also earn lesser grades than they would expect.

The prevention of cyberbullying relies heavily on digital literacy abilities. Teaching pupils critical thinking, empathy, and appropriate online behavior can help them identify and avoid cyberbullying. Individuals can gain the skills required to navigate online interactions safely and politely if digital literacy is encouraged.

Collaboration with technology businesses is critical to building safer online ecosystems. Technology businesses can create and deploy tools and features that improve online safety, such as privacy controls, reporting methods, and content moderation. Collaboration between schools and technology industries can result in safer.

Despite the darkness, a ray of light appears: awareness and action. Parents, educators, and governments are seeing the critical need to address this epidemic head on, establishing measures to educate young people about internet safety, encourage empathy, and hold perpetrators accountable.

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Tahmina Rahman is with Startise, a start-up with unicorn vision