Cyberbullying: Population demands law for better protection

Cyberbullying: Population demands law for better protection

cyberbullying, a phenomenon that affects more and more people, has increased significantly in public perception. In a recent survey by the Civey Institute, which was carried out on behalf of the Cyberbobbing-Hilfe association, it can be seen: The majority of the population sees an urgent need for action. Out of 2,500 nationwide and 18 years of age, almost 76 percent state that they perceive cyberbullying as a serious problem.

These alarming numbers are a clear picture of dissatisfaction with the existing legal regulations. 64.5 percent of the respectes perceive the current punishments as inadequate to protect those affected. The demand for a special law against cyberbullying is supported by around 64 percent of those surveyed. Lukas Pohland, the chairman of the cyberbullying help, summarizes the results: "The population expects determined measures-a clear signal for politics."

Current situation and demands

Germany, compared to other countries such as Austria or France, has no specific law against cyberbullying. This is not unnoticed. Experts emphasize that many people do not even know that publishing defaming content is punishable on the Internet. Uwe Leest, CEO of the alliance against cyberbullying, is of the opinion that such a law could act like a "red traffic light". There would be a deterrent effect on potential perpetrators and would give the victims more courage to contact the police.

The influence of the Internet is growing steadily, which increases the problem of cyberbullying. According to the "Leisure Monitor 2024", access to digital media is omnipresent in everyday life. Young people are particularly affected: in the age group of 10 to 18 years, the probability of bullying experiences is 16 to 18 percent. In the sensitive phase of puberty, it is even 25 to 30 percent affected.

consequences and prevention

The sometimes dramatic consequences for those affected should not be underestimated. Psychological problems such as fear, anger and even eating disorders or suicidal thoughts can result. According to Uwe Leest, the experience with cyberbullying often leads to long -term psychological injuries that cannot simply be overcome. Lukas Pohland, who himself was a cyberbullying victim, runs a consulting platform for affected children and adolescents with peers. "We have found that the help is very effective because they often find better access to those affected," said Pohland.

The advisory work has shown how serious and complex the problem is. A study by the University of Berlin for online advice has shown that the unwanted forwarding of pictures in girls in particular leads to feelings of shame and inferiority. Eating disorders often occur as a type of self -threat.

political decision -makers are required. In view of the critical situation, the Federal Ministry of Justice sees itself in relation to issued legal regulations. Contrary to the concerns of Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann, who argues against a special regulation in the Criminal Code, the interior ministers of several federal states have already spoken out for the introduction of their own crime. Leest sees the chance for a more gripper handle by the police: "The executive would make it easier to act against perpetrators."

The statistical represented: Cyberbullying is not only an individual, but also a problem for society as a whole. Parents and schools are called to do prevention work. The alliance against cyberbullying is active annually at around 200 schools to raise awareness and identify perpetrators. "It is high time that the Internet does not remain a unpunished space," warns Pohland. The experiences of recent years show that effective protection is urgently needed in this digital world.