THE internet has brought unprecedented convenience and connectivity, but it has also created new avenues for harassment and abuse.
According to UNICEF, around 30% of young people across 30 countries have experienced cyberbullying. It extends far beyond offensive comments to include targeted harassment, impersonation, the spread of false rumours and cyberstalking.
Although these attacks occur online, their consequences are very real. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that teenagers who experience cyberbullying face a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
Cyberbullying is increasingly recognised as a serious public health concern, and governments around the world are working to respond.
Malaysia experienced the devastating impact of cyberbullying in 2024 following the death of social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, better known as Esha. After enduring persistent online abuse during TikTok livestreams, she took her own life.
The tragedy prompted widespread public concern and led to legal reforms. Malaysia subsequently introduced Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, making online harassment that results in self-harm, attempted suicide or death punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The provision sends a clear message that actions in the digital world can have serious legal consequences. Yet punishment alone remains a reactive response, intervening only after harm has already occurred.
Understanding why cyberbullying thrives
Addressing cyberbullying requires understanding the factors that enable it to flourish. A 2024 study by researchers Vladimir Nazarov and Natalya Averbukh identified perceived anonymity as a key psychological driver.
Hidden behind screen names, some individuals feel less accountable for their actions and become more willing to engage in behaviour they would be unlikely to display face-to-face. Once harmful content is posted, it can spread rapidly and remain accessible long after the initial incident.
Technology has further amplified the problem. Artificial intelligence can now generate, replicate and distribute abusive content on a much larger scale, making harassment more persistent and difficult to contain.
At the same time, research published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that engagement-driven algorithms often amplify emotionally charged content because it attracts greater user interaction.
This raises important questions about the role digital platforms should play in limiting harmful online behaviour.
Laws alone are not enough
While governments increasingly recognise the seriousness of cyberbullying, legal responses vary considerably across jurisdictions.
International agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasise protecting children’s psychological well-being, but implementation depends largely on individual countries.
Canada, for example, addresses cyberbullying through schools. Ontario’s Accepting Schools Act incorporates cyberbullying into school disciplinary policies, recognising that online abuse often extends into students’ everyday lives.
Singapore has adopted a stronger legal approach through its Protection from Harassment Act, which allows victims of doxxing and online abuse to seek court protection orders.
The country’s Online Safety legislation also empowers authorities to require platforms to remove harmful content.
The borderless nature of the internet remains one of the greatest challenges. Harmful content can be created in one country, hosted in another and viewed worldwide within minutes, making jurisdiction and enforcement increasingly complex.
Building a healthier digital culture
Legal penalties remain an important deterrent, but they cannot, on their own, change online behaviour. Preventing cyberbullying requires a broader effort involving governments, schools, technology companies, parents and users.
Digital education should extend beyond teaching technical skills to include responsible online behaviour, critical thinking and media ethics.
Young people should learn not only how to use technology but also how to communicate respectfully, verify information and understand the consequences of their online actions.
Technology companies also have a greater responsibility to create safer online environments. This includes improving content moderation, strengthening reporting mechanisms and reviewing algorithms that may unintentionally amplify harmful content.
Ultimately, tackling cyberbullying requires both individual responsibility and institutional accountability. Stronger laws are necessary, but lasting progress will depend on fostering a digital culture built on empathy, respect and responsible participation.
Before pressing “send”, every user should remember that behind every screen is a real person whose well-being may be affected by a single post. ‒ Aug 3, 2026
The authors are from the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Unsplash/Tra Tran
