Hey there, fellow digital adventurers! Gather around, grab a virtual cup of chai, and let’s talk about a beast lurking in the shadows of our online world — the sneaky, venomous cyberbully.
You see, I haven’t always been the confident digital warrior you see today. Back in the days when smartphones were still shiny and new, I was just a curious cub, exploring the vast jungle of social media. It was all fun and games until the whispers started. One comment here, a snarky meme there, and suddenly, my online world felt like a thorn bush, prickling at my every step.
It wasn’t just words, mind you. They were poisoned arrows, aimed straight at my insecurities. “Ugly,” they said. “Loser” “No one likes you.” Each message felt like a blow, chipping away at my self-esteem. Sleepless nights, tears on the pillow, and a constant knot in my stomach — that was my reality.
But here’s the thing, I wasn’t alone. In Tanzania, in East Africa, and across the globe, countless young hearts are stung by cyberbullies every single day. It’s a silent epidemic, spreading faster than wildfire through WhatsApp groups and Instagram comments.
Why does it happen?
Well, sometimes, it’s just plain old meanness. But often, it’s a mask, hiding fear, insecurity, or maybe just boredom. These cyber-warriors think they’re invincible behind their screens, hurling insults like stones from a safe distance.
Here’s the truth
Those words sting. They leave scars, even if they’re not visible. They can crush confidence, spark anxiety, and even lead to depression. And in a society where “strong” and “silent” are often praised, many victims suffer in silence, fearing judgment or feeling powerless.
So, what can we do, you ask? We can’t just sit here and let the cyberlions have their way, can we? No way, Simba! We gotta be the Mufasas of the digital savanna, protecting our cubs and roaring against the bullies.
Here’s my plea:
To the victims: You are not alone. Speak up, reach out, and find your digital pack. There’s strength in numbers, and together, we can silence the bullies.
To the bystanders: Don’t be silent witnesses. Be the Timons and Pumbas who stand by their friends, who report the bullies, who spread kindness instead of hate.
To the cyberbullies: Take a moment, Simba. Breathe. Put yourself in their paws. Are those words worth the sting you’re causing? Change your path, embrace empathy, and become the digital hero you can be.
Together, we can build a digital Tanzania, a digital East Africa, where kindness reigns supreme, where compliments flow like the Nile, and where no one has to fear the sting of cyberbullying. Let’s make the online world a place where even the most vulnerable cubs can roar with confidence.
This blog is authored by Eric Samwel Ndalahwa, the 5th place winner of the Digital Ambassador Program ‘Kalamu za Kidigitali’ Blog Competition, and edited by our dedicated team at Pollicy.
Pollicy established the Digital Ambassador Program (DAP) to empower youth with digital resilience skills on safety and security especially women in higher learning institutions.
The Digital Ambassador Program is proud to collaborate with The LaunchPad Tanzania, Tanzania AI Lab & Community, Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Centre for Technology Disputes Resolution, Internet Society Uganda Chapter, and Civil Rights Defenders.
