For as long as the internet has existed, there have been malignant actors using it to spread hate, intimidation, and shame. Evidence of this can be found in the online archives of old chat rooms, as well as in the comment sections of even the earliest popular websites. Some years later, with the advent of social media, the magnitude of this problem became much worse. Because they are so widespread and easy to use, platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram quickly became havens for nasty rumors, name-calling, and outright slander—so much so that a unifying term was coined to address these practices: cyberbullying.
Just as quickly as it was named, efforts began to combat it. Governments took actions aiming to curb and even criminalize cyberbullying, and tech companies unveiled tools and algorithms meant to detect and remove harmful content. But over the decades, the ongoing campaign against cyberbullying has encountered some tough legal roadblocks, ranging from issues about preserving online anonymity to concerns about stifling free speech, however vitriolic and heinous it may be.
Recently, though, the crusade against cyberbullying has notched some significant victories. In the United Kingdom, the Online Safety Act holds social media companies accountable for harmful content. Similarly, Australia’s own Online Safety Act aims to enhance protections from cyberbullying. In the United States, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is set to be a transformative step forward in child online safety. Alongside these legislative advancements, Stand for the Silent (SFTS), an American anti-bullying nonprofit, is at the forefront of efforts to protect children online.
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)
The introduction of the Kids Online Safety Act represents a landmark moment in the fight against cyberbullying in the United States. KOSA aims to provide robust protections for children and teens online by holding social media companies and online platforms accountable for harmful content. The act stipulates that these companies take proactive measures to prevent online abuse, create easy-to-use reporting tools, and remove offensive material within specific timeframes.
KOSA’s focus on transparency is crucial. Social media companies must report on their efforts to tackle harmful content, including the precise number of user complaints they receive and the steps they take in handling each case. This level of accountability is expected to substantially reduce the prevalence of cyberbullying and make the internet a safer place for kids.
Stand for the Silent’s Role
Stand for the Silent‘s comprehensive cyberbullying prevention program, launched in 2023, complements the legislative efforts of KOSA. This program offers a multifaceted approach to combating cyberbullying, focusing on education, support, and empowerment. The nonprofit organization holds interactive workshops designed to teach students about the negative effects of cyberbullying, as well as how to stand up against it. They also foster empathy and promote suitable digital behavior, encouraging students to create a positive online environment.
The program also provides resources for parents and teachers to help them understand the signs of cyberbullying and how to effectively intervene if they see it. Additionally, SFTS offers counseling services for victims of cyberbullying, providing the emotional support they need. The program has shown positive effects in schools across the United States, with many students reporting increased confidence in dealing with online harassment and a noticeable drop in cyberbullying incidents. It should also be noted that Stand for Silent’s cyberbullying program is only one element of its overarching push against general bullying to prevent suicide and self-harm in youth.
Lessons from the UK and Australia
Both the United Kingdom’s and Australia’s Online Safety Acts provide valuable examples of successful democratic legislation from the recent past that KOSA can build upon. The UK’s act requires social media companies to proactively protect users from harmful content and report their efforts, explicitly mandating strict transparency.
Australia’s act introduced the eSafety Commissioner, an independent body with the authority to enforce online safety regulations and provide support to victims of cyberbullying. This newly created office also offers extensive resources and educational programs meant to raise awareness about cyberbullying. The rapid response mechanisms specified in the act enable fast removal of harmful content, providing relief to victims and deterring potential cyberbullies.
Both the UK and Australian acts emphasize the importance of education and prevention with regards to cyberbullying.
The battle against cyberbullying is far from over, but the Kids Online Safety Act in the United States, along with the United Kingdom’s and Australia’s respective Online Safety Acts have achieved significant progress. Governments, NGOs, and tech companies alike are all playing their part in creating a safer online environment. Programs like those created by Stand for the Silent are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people, providing them with the tools and support they need to navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.
In the ongoing crusade against cyberbullying, for the first time in a long while, it seems as if the bullies might be on the ropes.