A study recently published in the UK reveals that teenagers who suffer bullying are three times more likely to commit suicide.
Unsurprisingly, this alarming subject has been constantly discussed around the world for some time. Several fronts try to combat bullying in a passive and informative manner. TV shows have tried to warn about the importance of this topic - for example, the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why." Unfortunately, the numbers related to bullying have not dropped. As much as awareness makes room to talk about it, the problem is still there.
Today we are more connected. Therefore, bullying has been occurring more often on social media. On most channels, it is possible to report unbecoming behaviors, with one exception: the most widely used messaging platform in the world, WhatsApp, due to its encryption. It is the only cyber space in which a bully can freely engage in offensive acts, as the app can do nothing to block or control its messages.
Cyberbullying is already considered one of the leading causes of depression, suicidal tendencies and life-long trauma among young people. In Portugal, the law considers bullying and cyberbullying a crime punishable by up to five years imprisonment when the offender is over 16 years old. However, even under this law, victims are discredited or afraid to report, and attackers remain unpunished and free to use their smartphones as a weapon to spread hatred.
In this yellow September, known internationally as the suicide awareness month, an initiative suggests a solution to end this "blind spot". The terms and conditions section in mobile phone company contracts contains specific clauses designed to provide protection against violence. Customers who have committed any kind of digital violence or have harmed others must have their cell phone number canceled.
Using a tool that recognizes mobile operators, termsagainstbullying.com receives complaints and sends them to the regulatory part of each European country. It will be responsible for ensuring that mobile providers comply with contractual clauses: contract cancellation of those who have committed digital violence.
The site also features all kinds of bullying to inform and teach about the types of digital violence that can be reported.
This project was conceived and created by the independent agency White Rabbit Budapest and produced by Canja Audio Culture and Monster Films.
Watch this video that explains the project
