Universities in Ghana have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, driven by the rapid population growth of tertiary institutions and the increasing penetration of information technology.
The anonymous nature of the internet, combined with the extensive use of social media, has made cyberbullying a pervasive issue, especially among the youth who are constantly connected online.
According to a 2019 report, 83% of those involved in cyberbullying incidents were tertiary students, with a nearly even split between genders—221 males and 225 females.
These incidents primarily involved students receiving “nasty text messages” or other forms of harassment, often multiple times over the past six months.
While 86% of students reported experiencing cyberbullying in some form, 21.9% confirmed they were direct victims of it, a stark indicator of the problem’s scale.
For many students, the psychological impact of cyberbullying is profound.
One student from the University of Ghana, who spoke to Ahotor FM reporter Edem Dela, shared her experience of depression and emotional distress after being targeted. Akosua (name withheld) recounted how someone she believed to be a friend online turned against her, using her confidential information to harass and humiliate her.
This emotional torment left her unable to attend lectures for two weeks, underscoring the severe consequences cyberbullying can have on victims.
The rise of cyberbullying is tied to the increasing desire for digital literacy and the widespread use of social media platforms among students. While information technology has opened doors to greater knowledge and connectivity, it has also created spaces where students can become vulnerable to harassment. The anonymity of the online world often emboldens perpetrators, making it harder for victims to seek help or confront their abusers.
As cyberbullying continues to rise on university campuses, addressing this issue is critical. Students are calling for stricter measures to prevent and combat cyber harassment. Let’s listen to some comments from tertiary students as they share their thoughts on the matter.
Deladem Amansunu/ Ahotoronline.com
