Proposed law part of efforts needed to curb cyberbullying

At the end of July, China solicited public feedback on the draft of long-awaited legislation targeting online bullying. This legal framework is both necessary and timely, yet it represents just one step in a broader effort to combat the pervasive issue of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying has become cross-platform and organized, impacting real-world lives. It disrupts online order, inflicts lasting psychological harm on victims and damages the online business environment. The harm caused by cyberbullying is as real and damaging as physical violence.

In recent years, incidents of online abuse have become alarmingly common, ranging from doxxing — publicly revealing private information about someone with the intention of harassing or seeking revenge — to coordinated smear campaigns. Liu Xuezhou, a young man looking for his biological parents, took his own life after enduring relentless online speculation and harassment. Similarly, Zheng Linghua, a young woman known for her distinctive pink hair, ended her life following vicious attacks on her appearance. These heartbreaking tragedies are not isolated cases but rather indicative of a widespread social problem.

Dismissing online abuse as mere “internet quarrels” is a grave injustice to those who are the victims of it. Words can hurt deeply, and the anonymity and viral nature of social networking sites make it difficult to delete and escape torrents of abuse. Most victims feel powerless to fight back, often choosing silence and retreating into a shell in search of peace and safety.

The proposed legislation is a direct response to the pernicious nature of such deeds. If enacted, it would provide victims with the legal recourse they need to defend themselves, clearly define the responsibilities of governments, platforms, institutions and users, and ensure that offenders face real consequences for their actions.

This coordination across various fronts in the draft law is crucial because online bullying requires collective efforts. Platforms, in particular, must not prioritize engagement and online views over responsibility and user safety. They should take proactive measures to prevent and address abuse — through early warning systems, content moderation and accessible reporting channels — while cooperating with law enforcement agencies to identify and penalize offenders. Early intervention is essential to prevent harmful comments from spiraling out of control.

No victim should feel isolated or helpless in the face of online abuse. The cyberspace regulators need to conduct routine oversight, and the public security authorities must act swiftly on complaints — investigating, gathering evidence and providing timely support to victims. The rule of law must underpin online safety, ensuring a secure digital environment for all users.

It’s encouraging to see the draft legislation requires educational authorities and schools to include anti-bullying content in their curricula, as individual internet users also have a crucial role to play in enhancing their legal awareness and digital literacy. Under the draft, if students are involved in online abuse, schools must intervene promptly and take preventive action to address the issue and support affected individuals. True progress will occur when every individual and institution embraces the values of respect for others, reverence for the law and accountability for their words and actions.

Ultimately, only by fostering a culture of respect and responsibility can we build a digital environment that protects everyone from harm and prevents us from harming others. This collective effort will help create a cleaner, more orderly cyberspace for all, where individuals can engage freely and safely without fear of abuse or harassment. The proposed law is part of that effort.