Digi Telecommunications and Telenor Group today reinforced its internet safety goals with support for Stop Cyberbullying Day 2016, an international awareness day that aims to reduce cyberbullying globally.

Cyberbullying refers to electronic communication used for the purpose of bullying. With 37% of school students in Malaysia encountering or previously involved with cyberbullying 1 , education is becoming increasingly key to mitigate growing online abuses rates. Launched by Cybersmile Foundation, Stop Cyberbullying Day utilises social media to spread an anti-cyberbullying message with the #SCD2016 hashtag. In 2015, the movement engaged 45 million people, and this year Telenor hopes to help them exceed that number.

“Digi CyberSAFE programme in partnership with CyberSecurity Malaysia, Ministry of Education, and more recently in joint efforts with UNICEF Malaysia has been actively driving capacity building initiatives for youth and children. We have also stepped up our efforts to mitigate cyberbullying through enabling support systems for them through our partnerships with Childline Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Police,” said Philip Ling, Digi’s Programme Manager for Sustainability.

According to a 2015 study in Malaysia, the majority of Malaysian schoolchildren are aware that such behaviours can be identified and reported. In the face of online threats by peers, most Malaysian children are likely to adopt a privacy setting or blocking strategies, and are aware of the channels to report to teachers or relevant authorities. Nonetheless, there is a high likelihood that some youngsters will keep quiet and hope the cyberbullying will stop, rather than consult a trusted adult.