Behind the Screen: Cyberbullying as a Cybersecurity Threat with Dr. Windhya Rankothge

Key Concepts

• Cyberbullying: The use of digital platforms to harm others, including harassment, threats, and humiliation.
• Cybersecurity Threat: Cyberbullying is framed as a cybersecurity threat because it impacts individuals within digital systems.
• Digital Culture: The norms, behaviors, and interactions that occur within online spaces.
• Bystander Effect: The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.
• Anonymity: The state of being unknown or unidentifiable online, which can be exploited by bullies.
• Digital Safety: Practices and knowledge to protect oneself and others in the online environment.

Behind the Screen: Cyberbullying as a Cybersecurity Threat

This presentation by Dr. Vinda Ranci, a postdoctoral research associate at the Canadian Institute of Cybersecurity (CIC) and UNB Faculty of Computer Science, addresses cyberbullying as a significant cybersecurity threat, emphasizing the human element often overlooked in technical discussions.

Introduction to Cyberbullying and its Prevalence

Dr. Ranci highlights the pervasive nature of internet and social media usage globally. With a world population of 8.22 billion, 5.78 billion use mobile phones, and 5.56 billion are internet users. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn boast 5.24 billion identities, representing 63.9% of the global population. These platforms are primarily used for staying connected with friends and family, passing time, and accessing news and content. However, this extensive online engagement also creates a space for negative activities like bullying, harassment, and damage to individuals.

Definition and Characteristics of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is defined as "the use of digital platforms to harm others." It can occur across various platforms including social media (Facebook, Instagram), messaging apps (WhatsApp, Google Chat), forums, and gaming communities. It encompasses harassment, threats, and humiliation, ranging from simple messages to public shaming. Key characteristics include:

• Intentionality: The behavior is deliberately meant to hurt or embarrass.
• Repetition: It often occurs more than once, creating ongoing distress.
• Visibility: It can be public or private, visible to many or hidden in direct messages.

Platforms for Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying hotspots include:

• Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook): Used for public shaming and spreading rumors.
• Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Discord): Used for private messages or group chat intimidation and isolation.
• Online Games and Forums: Platforms for threats and harm.

Cyberbullying vs. Traditional Bullying

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying is not confined to physical spaces. Victims cannot escape by leaving school or work. The digital nature means there are no physical boundaries, and anonymity often shields perpetrators, who may hide behind fake profiles. The constant connectivity of the digital space makes it difficult to escape.

Statistics on Cyberbullying

• 36.5% of people have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetime.
• 14.4% reported it happening in the last 30 days.
• 60% of teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying.

Forms of Cyberbullying

• Spreading Rumors: Disseminating false or fake information that can go viral and damage reputations.
• Sharing Embarrassing Photos: Posting images without consent, leading to lasting humiliation.
• Threatening/Hostile Messages: Repeatedly receiving messages that cause fear and anxiety.
• Exclusion from Online Groups: Leading to feelings of isolation and rejection.

Real-Life Impacts and Examples

• Teenager Targeted on Instagram: Experienced cruel comments and modified photos, leading to depression and withdrawal from school activities. Schools can respond with awareness programs and peer support.
• Gamer Harassed During Live Streams: Other players use gaming platforms to coordinate attacks and troll victims. Platform moderation and education are crucial.

The major impact of cyberbullying is psychological, leading to anger, humiliation, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.

Impact on Youth and Adults

• Youth: Vulnerable due to developing coping mechanisms. Cyberbullying increases vulnerability, leads to decreased school performance, and social withdrawal. Movies like "Eighth Grade" highlight these impacts.
• Adults: Can experience workplace harassment via online platforms, damaging reputations and careers. They may suffer burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Reasons for Cyberbullying Being Overlooked

• Dismissal: Perceived as "just online" and not as real as physical bullying.
• Lack of Awareness: People may not recognize the signs or understand the impact.
• Fear and Shame: Victims are often afraid or shy to speak up.
• Normalization of Cruelty: Toxic online cultures can make bullying seem acceptable.

Cyberbullying vs. Conflict

• Cyberbullying: A hurtful, intentional, repeated, and unexpected choice used for control and power. The bully does not seek resolution.
• Conflict: A simple disagreement, expected and normal, where both parties have equal power and seek resolution.

Responses to Cyberbullying

For Victims:

• Block or Report Users: Utilize platform features to prevent further contact.
• Save Evidence: Take screenshots or logs for potential investigations.
• Seek Support: Talk to peers, professionals, or trusted individuals.

For Bystanders:

• Speak Up Respectfully: Challenge bullying behavior without becoming a target.
• Support the Victim Privately: Offer private messages or conversations.
• Report Harmful Content: Utilize platform reporting tools.

Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying

• Sudden withdrawal from online activities.
• Changes in mood (sadness, anger).
• Avoidance of certain online platforms.

Roles of Different Stakeholders

• Parents: Monitor online activities, encourage communication, teach digital safety, and report incidents.
• Schools/Workplaces: Implement anti-bullying programs, digital safety education, and digital conduct codes. Provide supporting systems like counselors and peer support groups.

Legal Aspects in Canada

• Criminal Code and Bill C13 (Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act):
  • Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense (up to 5 years in prison).
  • Charges for criminal harassment, threats, and identity threats are applicable.
  • Police can obtain warrants to trace online activities.

Tools and Resources for Reporting and Prevention

• Platform-Specific Tools: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok have built-in reporting features.
• Local Police Departments: Can investigate criminal cyberbullying.
• Cyber.ca: Canada's national tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children.
• RCMP's Centre for Youth Crime Prevention: Provides resources for youth and parents.
• Public Safety Canada: Offers a dedicated page with resources on cyberbullying.
• Helplines: Kids Help Phone, Need Help Now (24/7 support).

Empowering Change in Cyberspace

• Be Kind Online: Foster positive interactions.
• Think Before Posting: Consider the impact of words and images.
• Be an Ally, Not a Bystander: Speak up, support victims, and challenge bullies respectfully.
• Encourage Empathy: Understand others' feelings.
• Protect Humans: Recognize that people are the most critical part of any system.

Conclusion

Dr. Ranci reiterates that while technical cybersecurity measures are vital, protecting humans from threats like cyberbullying is paramount. She emphasizes the psychological impacts, the responsibilities of individuals and organizations, and the available legal and educational resources. Empowering change through small actions can create a more secure and respectful digital community.

Q&A Session Highlights

• Signs of Cyberbullying: Withdrawal from online platforms, using fake profiles, and changes in mood are key indicators.
• Organizational Accountability: Establishing clear policies, guidelines on language and tone, and differentiating work/personal conversations are crucial for internal platforms.
• Bystander Intervention: Speak up respectfully, argue on comments, approach the bully privately, or report anonymously.
• First Step for Victims: Block and report the bully immediately. Avoid direct communication as it can escalate aggression. Seek professional support if experiencing emotional distress.
• Educating Young Users: Awareness programs in schools, parental monitoring, and teaching digital ethics are essential to address the long-term impact of casual online cruelty.
• Anonymity: Primarily used as a weapon by bullies to spread misinformation and harm reputations, making tracing difficult. Platforms need robust mechanisms to address this.