Cyberbullying among youth on Turkish Parliament’s agenda

With the rise in technology usage, bullying has extended into the digital realm, causing significant concern among families. Many have voiced their worries through petitions to the Turkish Parliament.

Responding to these concerns, Parliament has taken action, adding cyberbullying to the agenda of a newly established commission.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying occurs when someone uses technology to demean, inflict harm, or cause pain to another person. It is “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.”

Perpetrators bully victims in any online setting, including social media, video or computer games, discussion boards, or text messaging on mobile devices.

Virtual bullying can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, the term “cyberbullying” usually refers to online bullying among children and teenagers. It may involve name-calling, threats, sharing private or embarrassing photos, or excluding others.

Social media surge fuels cyberbullying

Social media usage has skyrocketed in recent years, turning cyberbullying into a critical issue in daily life. The problem is particularly rampant among youth, with instances of online bullying becoming increasingly common.

This has sparked significant concern among parents, who have turned to the government for solutions.

In response to these rising concerns, requests and demands have been submitted to Parliament. Sunay Karamik, chair of the Petition Commission, confirmed that the issue has been included in their agenda.

A subcommittee focused on peer bullying will investigate both physical and digital bullying.

Major complaints: Unauthorized sharing of images

Initial investigations reveal that cyberbullying is most prevalent among individuals aged 13-18.

The most common complaint involves the unauthorized sharing of young people’s images on social media platforms. This issue has been linked to a range of psychological problems in teenagers, including depression, low self-esteem, and academic underachievement.

The Petition Commission has also received numerous complaints regarding the unauthorized dissemination of personal data of young people.

Platforms like TikTok have been particularly problematic, with frequent reports of personal data being collected, exposed, and used to share obscene content.

The subcommittee on peer and cyberbullying will consult with educators, affected families, and students during its investigation. After a three-month inquiry, the commission will prepare a report offering solutions to bullying both on social media and in schools.

Widespread problem across borders

Cyberbullying among youth has become a global issue, affecting children and teenagers across various cultures and regions. As internet access and social media usage have proliferated worldwide, so too has the incidence of online harassment, with devastating consequences for the mental health and well-being of young people.

In Asia, particularly in technologically advanced countries like South Korea and Japan, cyberbullying has also emerged as a critical issue. In some cases, the intense pressure and humiliation experienced online have led to tragic outcomes, including an increase in youth suicides.

The impact of cyberbullying on mental health is profound. Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. The anonymity of the internet can embolden bullies, making their attacks more vicious and relentless. Unlike traditional bullying, which is often confined to school grounds, cyberbullying can follow a young person home, invading what should be a safe space.

The effects are not only psychological but also social and academic. Victims of cyberbullying often experience a decline in school performance, as well as difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.