Bullying/cyber crime

Cyber bullying or cyber harassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means. Cyber bullying and cyber harassment are also known as online bullying. It has become increasingly common, especially among teenagers, as the digital sphere has expanded and technology has advanced.

Cyber bullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyber bullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. 

The most common places where cyber-bullying occurs are:

1. Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
2. Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
3. Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
4. Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
5. Email
6. Online gaming communities

Any type of bullying can be hurtful,cyber bullying can hurt someone as much as physical or verbal bullying because:

1. It's a public-lots of people can see it
2. It spread quickly
3. It can be hard to escape
4. The bully can be anonymous
5. Removing it can be a difficult process

With over 100 million users of smartphones in Pakistan, Pakistan has been included in the list of the fastest-growing countries that are using the internet which only opens the doors for the fact that cyber bullying is increasing as well, yet there isn’t any legislation for cyber crimes in Pakistan. However, if you know someone being bullied online or are a victim yourself, here’s what you need to do.

                                    1.Register a complaint through FIA

Simply write down your application (in English or in Urdu), narrate your complete problem, provide as much evidences, details as you can and send it to FIA National Response Center for Cyber Crimes(NR3C).

2. Lodge a report via IC3

The IC3 accepts online Internet crime complaints from either the actual victim or from a third party to the complainant. Check out their website to see how to report.

3. CPLC to the rescue!

The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has set up a women complaint cell aimed at dealing with women harassment issues across the country. 

4. Snapshot on Snapchat

If your account is being misused or hacked, you can submit a report by filling in the harassment form available on the official website. It’s that simple!

5. Madadgaar National Helpline

From psychological counseling to legal aid, this is the organization you should look up to for help. The cherry on top, it’s cost-effective too!

6. Fake Instagram account? No more tears.

Instagram’s ‘abuse form’ actually works. Even if you don’t have an official account, you can still fill out the form. Cheers!