The following content was submitted by NetMission.Asia on March 7, 2024, in response to OHCHR’s call for inputs for the preparation of a thematic report on countering cyberbullying against persons with disabilities.
Introduction: Cyberbullying Impact on Persons with Disabilities
Cyberbullying, characterized by sharing harmful, false, and shameful information online, significantly affects the mental health of individuals, with studies indicating potential links to PTSD (Chen et al., 2024). In Japan, despite a decrease in the youth population, the prevalence of cyberbullying among internet users aged 10-17 is rising (SNSいじめ（ネットいじめ）の問題点と学校に求められる対応, 2022). This form of bullying often targets minority groups, including persons with disabilities, exacerbating their vulnerability (法務省：インターネット上の人権侵害をなくしましょう, n.d.; Ben-Joseph, n.d.). A notable study highlights that 70% of children with developmental disorders in Japan have experienced bullying (安川, n.d.), underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address these issues.
Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by cyberbullying due to various factors, including societal stigma, dependency on others for access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and lack of accessible online platforms. Studies suggest that the incidence of cyberbullying among individuals with disabilities is alarmingly high, with severe implications for their mental health and well-being.
Challenges in implementing the strategies
- Compatibility issues: Developing assistive tools aimed at supporting people with disabilities, such as text-to-speech software, can pose challenges when it comes to ensuring compatibility with diverse languages, including Braille and sign language. Therefore, making such tools universally compatible presents a significant challenge for developers.
- Resource constraints: For instance, individuals who are visually impaired may encounter difficulties accessing visual content. Consequently, there is a necessity for devices and resources that cater to the needs of the blind. Similarly, for other disabilities, it’s essential to have resources that are accessible and accommodating to disabled individuals, regardless of whether such resources are currently available. This exemplifies the concept of resource constraints.
- Legal and cross-border barriers can create accessibility issues: Establishing international border norms, policies, and regulations can present significant challenges, particularly when ensuring that laws and rules are user-friendly. For instance, India employs e-vani, one of the services made for people who are blind in India, for in-call services, which are accessible to disabled individuals. However, only some nations may permit the usage of such services by citizens of India or individuals outside of India for services falling under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. This resistance to technology or innovation poses additional hurdles.
- Resistant towards technology or innovation: People are in fear of losing their data or getting misused in the name of technology and help. Thus, they don’t wholeheartedly welcome technological innovations. For example, people in remote villages in India, especially those who are disabled don’t believe in the biometric system as they have that fear that their data will be misused or the authority is just collecting the data.
- Digital literacy: Accessing the internet and acquiring the necessary skills to navigate it remains a challenge for many individuals. For people with disabilities, there’s an added complexity of needing to be introduced to digital literacy and understanding their rights in the realm of Internet Governance. They also face the risk of cyberbullying, but knowing where, when, and how to report such incidents is crucial information they should be educated about. While digital literacy may appear straightforward, it encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills that require attention and development.
Effective strategies to combat cyberbullying against persons with disabilities
- Inclusive digital literacy programs: Tailoring digital literacy programs, including the awareness of human rights, to the needs of persons with disabilities ensures they have the skills and knowledge to navigate online spaces safely. Implementing digital literacy and training programs for parents, teachers, and children is crucial, persons with disabilities should also be included in these literacy initiatives. The incorporation of VR and other advanced technologies can enhance understanding and response to cyberbullying (Cho & Lim, 2019).
- Diversity training: Programs like #BG4Unity offer valuable frameworks for fostering inclusivity and understanding among diverse groups.
- Awareness and training: Awareness campaigns targeting the general public, educators, and caregivers can help reduce stigma and prevent cyberbullying. Training programs should emphasize the importance of respectful and inclusive communication online.
- Policy and legal frameworks: Enacting and enforcing laws that specifically address cyberbullying against persons with disabilities is essential. These laws should include provisions for education, prevention, and remedies for victims. Japan’s model, which includes mechanisms like “Request for Deletion (削除依頼)” and “Petition for Temporary Restraining Order (仮処分命令の申立て),” showcases effective legal approaches to remove harmful content
- Mental health support: Given the link between cyberbullying and mental health issues like PTSD, providing adequate mental health care for victims is imperative (Chen et al., 2024).
- User-friendly platform: Platforms must prioritize user-friendliness to ensure comfortable usage for people with disabilities. Adherence to accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is vital, ensuring content can be accessed in formats like Braille for individuals who are blind. Compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices is crucial, facilitating seamless access and interaction with online content for persons with disabilities.
- Model-based testing and feedback: Model-based testing and feedback involve engaging individuals with disabilities in user testing, soliciting their input during development and design to identify accessibility challenges and ensure their needs are addressed. Regular training for developers, designers, content creators, and platform administrators on accessibility guidelines and the needs of individuals with disabilities should be practiced. Ensuring accessibility concerns are integrated into every aspect of online platform development and administration is essential.
Despite existing efforts, significant challenges remain:
- Data collection: There is a lack of disaggregated data on cyberbullying incidents involving persons with disabilities. Improved data collection methods are necessary to understand the scope of the problem and to develop targeted interventions.
- Intersectionality: Persons with disabilities often face multiple forms of discrimination. Cyberbullying initiatives must consider intersectional identities, ensuring that solutions are inclusive of all backgrounds and experiences.
- Access to justice: Many persons with disabilities encounter barriers to accessing legal remedies for cyberbullying. Enhancing the accessibility of legal processes and providing specialized support can help overcome these obstacles. Developing accessible reporting systems for cyberbullying incidents is crucial, as well as the development of legal frameworks for prompt content deletion of harmful content. These systems should accommodate various disabilities, ensuring that everyone can report abuse easily and receive the necessary support.
Conclusion
Addressing cyberbullying against persons with disabilities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes enhancing digital literacy, improving accessibility, and fostering an inclusive online environment. By focusing on these areas, alongside robust legal protections and support systems, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of cyberbullying and its harmful effects on persons with disabilities. Collaboration among governments, civil society, tech companies, and the disability community is essential to ensure that the digital world is safe and empowering for everyone.
Edited by Jenna Manhau Fung, Barkha Manral, and Yukako Ban