5 Tips To Combat Online Harassment And Safeguard Yourself On Social Media: Unsafe Online

With the growing influence of social media in our lives, the risk of encountering social media harassment or abusive behaviour online has become a significant concern. Especially for women, who often face harassment not just in the broad light but face online abuse as well. Protecting oneself from social media harassment is crucial for maintaining a safe and positive online experience.

“Cybercrimes against women have surged alarmingly over the past few years. The report by the National Crime Record Bureau released in December 2023 shows that there has been an 11 percent rise in the number of incidents reported in 2022 as compared to those reported in 2021”, as stated by the IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute. “In 2022, over 3,400 cases of cyber crime related to sexual harassment or exploitation were reported in India. This was a significant increase from 2016 and 2017”, as per a report by Statista.

So whether you're an active user of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, protecting yourself from social media harassment is very important. Here are some essential tips to help women protect themselves from social media harassment and create a safer digital space.

5 Tips To Protect Yourself From Social Media Harassment

1. Safeguard Your Privacy

One of the first steps to protect yourself from social media harassment is to manage your privacy settings effectively. Start by reviewing the privacy settings on each platform you use. Set your profiles to private or restricted so that only approved friends or followers can see your posts. This limits the exposure of your personal information to strangers and reduces the chances of unwanted interactions, as per the United Nations Development Programme.

Be mindful of what you share with others. Avoid posting sensitive information, such as your home address, phone number, or vacation plans, which can be exploited by other individuals.

2. Identify And Handle Harassment

Being able to recognise harassment is key to addressing it effectively. Harassment can take many forms, including threatening messages, abusive comments, or persistent unwanted contact. If you experience such behaviour, document the incidents by taking screenshots or saving messages. This evidence can be useful if you need to report the harassment.

Report abusive behaviour to the platform’s support team. Most social media sites have mechanisms for reporting harassment and blocking or muting individuals who are causing distress. Don’t hesitate to use these tools to protect yourself.

3. Avoid Engaging With The Harasser

If you find yourself the target of online harassment, avoid engaging with the harasser. Responding can often escalate the situation. Instead, use the platform's features to block or mute the offending user, which can help you regain control and reduce the emotional impact.

Reach out to trusted friends or family for support. Discussing the issue with someone you trust can offer emotional relief and practical advice. If the harassment is severe or involves threats of violence, contact local police for help. (Women Helpline Numbers)

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4. Minimise Exposure to Negative Content

You can take steps to limit your exposure to negativity online. Be selective about who you accept as friends or followers. Follow accounts that contribute positively to your online experience and unfollow or mute those that spread negativity. Setting boundaries for your social media use is also important. Balancing your online and offline life can help manage the impact of negative interactions.

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5. File A Cyber Crime Complaint

If any woman comes across any kind of online harassment, then they must file a complaint with the cyber cell. “You can use the ‘Report Other Cybercrimes’ option available on the portal to report other cybercrimes such as mobile crimes, online and social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes, and online cyber trafficking. You are required to register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint by selecting the appropriate category and sub-category,” as per the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Whether she's at home or at work, a woman in India does not feel safe. When will this end? A woman's safety is no joke, it is her right. It is time toFight Back against violenceand change the mindset of a society that allows this oppression. Read stories by women who faced harassment or abuse and chose to raise their voices, know what you need to do to fight back, and more on HerZindagi. Become a part of the solution. Take the pledge to #FightBack.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

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