With social media gaining momentum in daily life, digital content consumption has become inevitable. Like many other countries, Bhutan is increasingly facing the darker aspects of the internet, with cyberbullying emerging as a significant threat. In this story, we will delve into the emerging threat of cyberbullying, its impact, existing policies and legal frameworks, the roles of relevant service providers and the individual’s responsibility in using social media.
UNICEF defines cyberbullying as bullying that occurs through digital platforms like social media, messaging apps, and online gaming. It involves repeated actions to scare, anger, or shame the victim.
Namgay Zam, who has over 95,000 followers on her Facebook page, shared that she also experienced cyberbullying herself.
“I wish I could say I don’t have any experience with cyberbullying but unfortunately, I have. I think it also depends on the kind of things you talk about on social media. The more controversial things you bring up, the more of the bullying you see. And especially as a woman, I have also noticed that women influencers tend to get more of the bullying than the men. And it’s been something I have observed over the years.”
Namgay added that in her experience, bullying takes various forms, including attacks on her family, direct threats to her life, and even threats of sexual or physical assault.
For her mental well-being, she chooses not to engage with negative comments and trolls.
“I rarely consume social media. I produce a lot of social media. So that’s actually, I think, my advice to anybody who’s dealing with cyberbullying. But of course, if it gets out of hand, then you would want to seek help from the police. I have directed people to the police as well, because we do have a law that protects you from online harassment and I would urge you to actually go and seek protection.”
According to a psychiatrist at the National Referral Hospital, cyberbullying can affect mental health. The hospital sees cases of mental distress caused by cyberbullying, especially complicated instances in which their immediate partner harasses them online.
“Cyberbullying is not that different from bullying itself but it can have more impact because the person feels very isolated in their experience and all the experience might be on a public platform. It causes a lot of mental distress and it can lead to myriads of mental problems like depression. if there is a lot of threat from cyberbullying it can also cause PTSD and there are also associated suicidal ideation with it. People also might use substances along with alcohol and other things to cope with it,” said Dr Puja Subedi, a psychiatrist at JDWNRH.
Meanwhile, according to the PEMA, a nodal agency for mental health in the country, they have developed guidelines for anti-bullying mechanisms in educational institutions and oriented district education officers, principals, counsellors and wellbeing focal teachers for strategic implementation.
The PEMA helpline also provides immediate assistance to those who report any form of violence or other mental health challenges. However, they said individuals do not report despite the avenues.
Individuals experiencing any form of violence, including bullying or need mental health and protection services can contact their helpline at 1098 or 1010.
Likewise, the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy, a civil society organisation, said that the centre engages youth in advocating cyberbullying.
“We specifically focus on educating young people on the responsible use of social media. We encourage young people to engage with information in a very responsible manner and help them develop their skills to navigate the digital space safely and nurture resilience within themselves,” said Tsheten Lhamo, programme officer at Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy.
She added that cyberbullying is especially common among youths, further adding that the lack of comprehensive social media guidelines that address all age groups and districts is contributing to the rise of cyberbullying in the country.
Similarly, the Bhutan Computer Incident Response Team, BtCIRT assists and collaborates with organisations to advocate for cyberbullying. BtCIRT is part of the GovTech Agency mandated to enhance cyber security in the country.
Regarding legal framework, the Information, Communications and Media Act or ICM Act 2018 mandates Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) to regulate and monitor compliance with national and international ICT and media standards.
However, according to BICMA, they cannot easily regulate foreign over-the-top or OTT services available on the internet as they operate outside the country.
The authority added that they have no control over social media content and lacks sufficient resources to continuously educate the public.
Currently, the ICM Act of Bhutan 2018 and the Rules and Regulations on Content 2019 are in place to address harassment in the country.
Section 426 under the ICM Act 2018 states that a person who knowingly makes, by means of an ICT device, apparatus or system, any harassing communication in any form shall be guilty of the offence of online harassment liable for offence of petty misdemeanour and may be required to pay compensation to the victim for the damage caused, as determined by the Court.
Similarly, the Rules and Regulations on Content 2019, requires a person to respect the privacy of individuals and avoid naming and shaming any individual unless when the act is proven by the Royal Court of Justice; and in circumstances where it may be required in the interest of the public.
Furthermore, the Department of Law and Order said that the existing laws should be adequate to address cyberbullying as they already cover online harassment.
“Penal Code already defines online harassment. Even the ICM Act defines online harassment. So, we should be able to apply the existing provisions that are there in the relevant laws of the land. We do not need dedicated penal provisions for every action that could be possibly thought of,” said Karma Dorji, chief programme officer at the Department of Law and Order.
Meanwhile, the Royal Bhutan Police said that the reported cases of cyberbullying have been increasing over the years. However, the police only recorded six cases till October this year. They said such cases are rarely reported to the police. The RBP is advocating and collaborating with agencies regarding cyberbullying.
According to an international study, nearly one in six adolescents have experienced cyberbullying. The study surveyed more than 279,000 young people from 44 countries and regions. The report states that there is an urgent need to educate young people, families and schools about the forms of cyberbullying and its implications.
Sonam Yuden, Tashi Dekar & Singye Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
