Social media has become part of everyday life for many young Kenyans. From sharing photos and videos to chatting with friends, digital platforms offer opportunities to connect and express opinions. However, behind the likes , comments and entertainment is a growing problem that many young people silently face: Cyber bullying .
Cyber bullying involves using digital platforms to insult, threaten,embarrass or harass someone. What some people dismiss as jokes or online drama can leave lasting emotional effect on those targeted. A hurtful comment, embarrassing photo or insulting message may seem small to the person posting it, but it can deeply affect the person receiving it .
The biggest problem is that many Kenyans have normalized online abuse. People hide behind fake account to spread rumours, attack others and make hurtful comments without considering the consequences. Even worse , some users join online attack simply because everyone else is doing it
For young people, the experience can be overwhelming. Being humiliated online can affect their confidence, friendships , concentration in class and willingness to interact with others . Unlike ordinary disagreement online abuse can spread quickly and reach a much wider audience, making it difficult for victim to find peace , even at home. Addressing this problem require collective responsibility.
Parents should create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experience without fear of being blamed. Schools and universities should introduce digital safety education, strengthen counseling services and provide confidential channels for reporting abuse.
Social media companies, must also take responsibility by responding quickly to report, removing harmful content where appropriate and restricting accounts that repeatedly target others . Young people on the other hand should learn that having freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to humiliate or threaten another person.
Kenya has also the computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act ,2018 which provides alegal framework for addressing cyber related offences, including cyber harassment. However having law is not enough; they must be properly enforced, alongside public education and awareness.
Utimately , social media should bring together not turn them against one another. Young people deserve to use the internet without living in fear of insult , threats or public humiliation. It is time to stop treating cyber bulling as harmless online drama and recognize it for what it is: Serious social problem that demand action from parents, school, technology, companies and society.
