Monarch, Others Seek Stiffer Regulation Against Cyberbullying, Violence

Stakeholders in Taraba State have called on the government to develop a regulatory framework to address rising cases of cyberbullying and digital violence, particularly against women and girls.

The call was made in Jalingo, during a workshop marking the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The event was organised by Side By Side Faith Movement in collaboration with other partners, and brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, CSOs and community representatives.

Speaking at the event, the Kuru Kona, Augustine Njemang Vengkani II, urged the Taraba State House of Assembly to legislate on digital safety and the use of mobile devices, especially among children and young people.

“We have been using the digital space without paying sufficient attention to the negative aspects of this innovation.

“This workshop has opened our eyes to the consequences of wrong usage on our youths, especially women. As a Chiefdom, we will take up this campaign and ensure it reaches every nook and cranny.

“The state government must also come up with laws regulating phone usage among the underage to curb violence and criminal activities online,” Vengkani said.

Taraba State coordinator, Side By Side, Princess Leah Solomon Olusiyi, explained that the global theme for this year’s campaign “UNITE to Stop All Forms of Digital Violence Against Women and Girls” reflects the urgent need to address emerging dangers in the digital world.

She said, digital violence includes harassment, threats, online insults, non-consensual sharing of images, blackmail, misinformation, and digital monitoring.

“Digital violence may not leave physical injuries, but the emotional and mental pain can be more damaging.

“Many young girls experience shame, fear, depression and isolation. Some even stay away from school or religious activities because of what they experience online,” the state coordinator added.

Olusiyi, stressed the need for parents to guide children’s phone usage, for communities to speak openly about digital abuse, and for governments to set up policies that punish offenders while protecting survivors.

She also called on NGOs to provide safe reporting channels, counselling and digital literacy programmes.

The state commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, said everyone has a responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of children, both in and out of school.

“I am confident that if participants here take this campaign to their circles, more girls will become conscious of how they use the digital space.

“Women and children are the most vulnerable, but boys too must be raised to understand that bullying in any form is irresponsible and unacceptable,” the commissioner explained.

Participants at the workshop agreed that although new media has several disadvantages, proper orientation and responsible usage can help society maximise its benefits.

Representatives of both the Christian and Muslim communities described the programme as an eye-opener and commended the organisers for addressing a pressing social concern.

One of the co-conveners, Mr. Samuel Tari, warned that digital violence is becoming more pervasive.

“Violence today is not only on our streets and in homes but right in our hands.

“The mental trauma caused by digital abuse can be longer-lasting than physical violence, and it can even lead to bodily harm. We must watch our digital space consciously,” he said.