Cyber Bullying and Social Bullying: Understanding Their Impact in India and Across the World

Bullying, no matter the form, leaves emotional and psychological scars that can last a lifetime. Today, bullying extends far beyond schoolyards. The rise of digital communication has introduced cyber bullying, a silent but devastating form of harassment that transcends borders. For individuals in India and the global NRI/OCI community, understanding the nuances of social bullying, cyber bullying, and other types of harassment is crucial in protecting our children, loved ones, and even ourselves.

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber bullying involves using digital technology—smartphones, computers, and the internet—to harass, threaten, or humiliate a person. Unlike traditional bullying, cyber bullying follows victims everywhere they go—on their phones, in their homes, even across continents.

Common Forms of Cyber Bullying

Cyber harassment through repeated abusive messages
Online abuse such as sharing humiliating images or videos
Impersonation on social media to spread misinformation
Doxxing—leaking private information without consent
Trolling and hate speech that target individuals or communities

Whether you live in Delhi, Dubai, New York, or Melbourne, cyber bullying can strike anyone, anytime, through screens we use every day.

1. What is Social Bullying and How Does It Differ?

Social bullying—also called relational aggression—is more subtle but equally harmful. It aims to damage someone’s social life, reputation, or sense of belonging.

Examples of Social Bullying:

Exclusion: Not inviting someone to group activities or celebrations (e.g., being left out of Holi or Diwali events)
Gossip and Rumors: Spreading false stories in schools or social circles
Manipulation: Encouraging others to ignore or isolate someone
Public Humiliation: Embarrassing someone in person or online
Cyber harassment that targets relationships (a blend of social and digital abuse)

Unlike cyber bullying, which leverages technology, social bullying operates within human connections—but both can overlap and amplify each other.

2. Other Types of Bullying That Exist

In addition to cyber bullying and social bullying, here are other bullying forms that affect people in India and abroad:

Physical Bullying

Hitting, slapping, or damaging belongings—common in schools and even workplaces.

Verbal Bullying

Name-calling, teasing, or caste-based slurs aimed at degrading someone’s dignity.

Prejudicial Bullying

Based on religion, caste, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability—still alarmingly prevalent in parts of India.

Psychological Bullying

Manipulating someone emotionally to induce fear, anxiety, or self-doubt.

3. How Are These Forms of Bullying Different?

Each form of bullying harms individuals in unique ways:

Cyber bullying uses technology to inflict emotional or reputational harm.
Social bullying attacks relationships and social status.
Physical bullying causes bodily harm.
Verbal bullying relies on language and insults.
Prejudicial bullying discriminates based on identity.

These can often blur—cyber bullying might include verbal abuse, while social bullying might use online platforms to spread rumors.

4. Indian Legal Framework Against Cyber Bullying and Online Abuse

India does not have a standalone law against bullying, but several strong legal provisions apply:

Information Technology Act, 2000

Section 66C: Punishes identity theft
Section 66D: Covers impersonation
Section 67: Penalises sharing obscene content online

Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Section 499 & 500: Defamation, including online content
Section 503 & 507: Criminal intimidation and anonymous threats
Section 509: Outraging modesty through words or gestures (often used in online abuse cases)

National Guidelines

The NCERT has issued anti-bullying guidelines for schools. Some Indian states have adopted protocols, workshops, and complaint redressal systems in educational institutions.

5. Judicial Insight: Landmark Judgments

Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

While Section 66A of the IT Act (which penalised offensive messages online) was struck down, the judgment reaffirmed the importance of balancing free speech and digital safety. However, sections like 66C, 66D, and others remain in force to tackle cyber harassment.

Kalandi Charan Lenka v. State of Odisha (2017)

The court recognised psychological trauma caused by fake profiles and online abuse as serious cyber offences, laying the foundation for stricter interpretations of cyber bullying in law.

6. Why is Cyber Bullying on the Rise in India and Among NRIs/OCIs?

Rapid smartphone and internet adoption across Indian cities and villages
Lack of awareness about privacy settings
Anonymity of digital platforms emboldening abusers
Reluctance to report due to social stigma
Cultural silence around emotional abuse, especially in traditional households

For NRIs and OCIs, these challenges are compounded by long-distance emotional detachment and limited access to Indian legal support while living abroad.

7. What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones?

Educate and Empower

Talk to children, elders, and employees about cyber bullying, cyber harassment, and online abuse. Awareness is the first step.

Digital Safety

Use privacy controls on social media. Never share sensitive data like home addresses or passwords.

Document Everything

Take screenshots of threatening messages, abusive content, and harassment. This helps in legal proceedings.

Report and Block

Use reporting tools on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and email. File a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell or at cybercrime.gov.in.

Seek Legal Help

Contact legal experts for advice or to file an FIR. LawCrust Legal Consulting can assist with cross-border matters for NRIs/OCIs.

Outlook: Creating a Safer Digital and Social Space for All

Combating cyber bullying, social bullying, and other forms of abuse isn’t just a legal challenge—it’s a social responsibility. We must collectively promote empathy, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. With better laws, robust reporting systems, and support structures in schools, workplaces, and families, India and the global Indian diaspora can lead the way toward a bully-free future.

About LawCrust Legal Consulting

LawCrust Legal Consulting, a subsidiary of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a trusted legal partner for NRIs and Indians across the globe. Backed by a team of over 70 expert lawyers and more than 25 empanelled law firms, we offer a wide range of legal services both in India and internationally. Our expertise spans across legal finance, litigation management, matrimonial disputes, property matters, estate planning, heirship certificates, RERA, and builder-related legal issues.

In addition to personal legal matters, LawCrust also provides expert support in complex corporate areas such as foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign institutional investment (FII), mergers & acquisitions, and fundraising. We also assist clients with OCI and immigration matters, startup solutions, and hybrid consulting solutions. Consistently ranked among the top legal consulting firms in India, LawCrust proudly delivers customised legal solutions across the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, APAC, and EMEA, offering culturally informed and cross-border expertise to meet the unique needs of the global Indian community.

Fighting Cyber Bullying and Social Bullying: A Guide for Indians and NRIs