Osei-Tutu Esther Kumah
Media personality at 3Music, Asangsia Tabitha popular known as Yaa Bitha has called for increased public sensitisation and collective action to address online harassment in its various forms, including cyberbullying, physical abuse, emotional manipulation and financial exploitation.
Speaking during a discussion on online harassment with level 400 students of Safety in Journalism of the University of Media Arts and Communication, she stressed that tackling the problem should not be left solely to government institutions, but should involve individuals and stakeholders across different sectors of society.
Yaa Bitha, expressed concern about how bullying has become increasingly normalised, particularly on social media, people often make derogatory comments about others physical appearance, clothing, shoes and personal choices without considering the emotional consequences.
She revealed that she has faced countless instances of online harassment about her body type and that the abuse sometimes gets to her. During those difficult moments, her father has been a source of encouragement and support.
“My father is such an educationist that if somebody bullies me, the first thing he reminds me of is my success, especially when it comes to education. He tells me that I am a first class degree holder, that I graduated top of my class and reminds me of my achievements and how beautiful I am,” she said.
She questioned why some social media users would ridicule others over their belongings and personal achievements, arguing that such behaviour creates an unhealthy online environment.
She also called for stronger measures to hold people accountable for online harassment, suggesting that the strict approach adopted by Snapchat should be given greater prominence to discourage bullying.
She reflected on a launch she attended at the University of Ghana last month, and mentioned that every opportunity she gets she educates people on online harassment and she was particularly struck by the number of people experiencing different forms of abuse, both online and offline.
According to her, more initiatives of this nature are needed to educate the public, just as stakeholders organise conferences and programmes on technology, arts, entrepreneurship and career development.
She emphasised that the responsibility to combat bullying should extend to everyone, regardless of their profession or social standing, including students, farmers, healthcare professionals, security personnel and other members of society.
Yaa Bitha further encouraged the public to practise kindness, reminding people that a simple gesture or word of encouragement could positively influence someone’s day, as no one truly knows what another person may be going through.
