By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A cybersecurity expert, Anas Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to stop treating online harassment as entertainment, warning that such behaviour contributes significantly to cyberbullying and emotional harm.
Mohammed made the call on Friday in Kaduna while speaking with journalists, stressing the need for stronger public awareness on online risks and responsible digital conduct.
He explained that cyberbullying involves the use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or emotionally harm individuals, noting that it extends beyond insults to coordinated attacks capable of damaging a person’s reputation, dignity, and psychological well-being.
According to him, cyberbullying can take various forms, including threats, blackmail, the spread of false information, sexualised comments, and organised online attacks often amplified through fake accounts.
“It sometimes disguises itself as joking and what Gen Zs call catching cruise,” he said.
Mohammed further noted that perpetrators often rely on anonymity, using fake identities to intensify abuse without fear of consequences. He also warned that manipulated screenshots and edited content are increasingly used to distort facts and mislead the public, worsening the impact on victims.
He called on social media platforms to strengthen content moderation systems by localising policies and factoring in cultural and language contexts, while also improving response times to reports of abuse and taking stronger action against repeat offenders.
The expert also urged government agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on digital rights and online safety, adding that reporting mechanisms should be simplified to support victims seeking help.
He called for consistent enforcement of existing laws to deter online harassment, while encouraging internet users to report cyberbullying promptly and support victims rather than dismiss or normalise abusive behaviour.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just about systems; it is about people, behaviours and accountability,” he said.