Traditional leaders and youth activists have cautioned young people in Machinga District against using the Internet to bully others.
Area Youth Network chairperson Bwanali Mataka from Traditional Authority Adamson said this on Monday during a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness session organised by Forum for Youth Development as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV
He said persistent gaps in mentorship and limited economic opportunities were pushing many youths into cyber-bullying.
“The youth need support in areas such as modern farming initiatives and technical skills development to remain productive and reduce their vulnerability to unlawful behaviour,” said Mataka.
On his part, T/A Adamson said his area has lost four people, including two youths who committed suicide due to GBV in digital spaces
“The Internet has conquered the world, but others are abusing it,” he said.
Machinga district youth officer Hope Mwafulirwa urged young people to take advantage of the Internet to explore entrepreneurship opportunities and build their skills, instead of using it to perpetrate violence.
Meanwhile, Forum for Youth Development executive director Mphatso Kapito urged young people to act as gatekeepers by reporting cyber-bullying activities targeting women and girls.
“Harmful online acts such as insults or pressuring women to send nude photos are contributing to isolation and suicide. Youths are the largest users of social media, so they should take responsibility,” he said.
Machinga district gender officer Madly Banda urged women and girls to report GBV.
