CONTINUING Malaya Business Insight’s series of online safety especially of women and minors, we come across an updates of various researches, highlighting how protecting women, minors, and other vulnerable groups against online harassment, be it personal, sexual or racial, requires a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing privacy settings, using strong passwords, reporting abuse, and seeking support from trusted individuals and organizations.
One of the most effective ways to protect oneself online is by enhancing privacy settings on social media platforms. Women and minors should limit who can see their posts, contact them, and view their personal information. This can be achieved by setting accounts to private and carefully managing friend or follower lists. Additionally, using strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enabling two-factor authentication can significantly enhance online security.
Reporting and blocking abusive users is another crucial step. Most social media platforms and online services have mechanisms to report harassment and block offenders. Women and minors should not hesitate to use these tools to maintain their safety. It’s also important to document instances of harassment by taking screenshots and saving messages, which can be useful if the situation escalates and legal action is required.
Education plays a vital role in online safety. Women and minors should be informed about the latest security practices and potential online threats, such as phishing scams and malware. Parents and guardians can help by discussing internet safety with their children and developing an online safety plan. This plan should include guidelines for safe online behavior, such as not sharing personal information with strangers and recognizing red flags in online interactions.
The issue of online pornography is particularly sensitive and challenging. Children and minors are at risk of being exposed to explicit content, which can have detrimental effects on their mental and emotional well-being. Parents and guardians should use parental control tools to block inappropriate content and monitor their children’s online activities.
Open communication is essential; children should feel comfortable discussing any disturbing content they encounter online. Explaining that pornography often depicts unrealistic and harmful portrayals of sex and relationships can help children understand why it is important to avoid such content.
Cyberbullying is another prevalent form of online harassment that affects both women and minors. It can take many forms, including spreading lies, posting embarrassing photos or videos, and sending hurtful messages. Victims of cyberbullying should not respond to the bully but instead report the behavior to a trusted adult or authority figure. Blocking the bully and unfriending them on social media can also help stop the harassment. Schools and communities should have clear policies and support systems in place to address cyberbullying and provide assistance to victims.
Online sexual exploitation is a severe threat, particularly for minors. It has never been easier for child sex offenders to contact potential victims, share explicit imagery, and encourage others to commit offenses. Children may be victimized through the production, distribution, and consumption of sexual abuse material, or they may be groomed for sexual exploitation. To combat this, parents and guardians should supervise their children’s internet use, educate them about the dangers of online predators, and encourage them to report any suspicious behavior. Organizations like UNICEF and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Children (NSPCC) provide resources and support for protecting children from online sexual exploitation.
Legal protections against cyber harassment vary globally, but there is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive legislation. Only a small percentage of economies worldwide have enacted laws specifically addressing cyber harassment and bullying. Advocacy for stronger legal frameworks is essential to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive the protection they need.
Support from trusted friends, family, and professional organizations can provide emotional support and practical advice for dealing with online harassment. There are numerous organizations dedicated to helping victims of online abuse, offering resources, counseling, and legal assistance. Women and minors should not hesitate to seek help from these organizations if they feel overwhelmed or threatened.
