Experts warn of growing threats from internet addiction and cyberbullying

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 6 : Experts have raised concerns that internet addiction and cyberbullying could evolve into major issues in the future. These concerns were expressed by participants at an interactive program titled "Social Media and Its Challenges," organized by the Rotary Club of Kathmandu in collaboration with ISSR.

Experts warned that this issue could escalate into a social disaster, as social media usage is leading to various social, mental, economic, and even criminal activities. During the program, speakers discussed how cyberbullying and internet addiction are impacting mental health.

Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha stated, "We have no option but to use social media responsibly and securely. It is essential that we focus on this issue." He explained that social media is affecting multiple aspects of people's lives, including mental health and social well-being.

Former Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet highlighted that social media is spreading like a deadly disease. "Current statistics show that 10% of deaths are caused by mental health issues, and social media is considered a major contributing factor," he said. "Although we know that using mobile phones for more than two hours a day is harmful to mental, physical, and social health, we continue to fall into addiction. Therefore, it is essential that both the law and we, as individuals, take corrective action."

Former Chief Secretary Shankar Bairagi noted that while social media use is necessary in today's age, it is crucial to use it wisely. He pointed out that laws are often only created after problems arise, leading to misuse and ineffective implementation of regulations.

Psychiatrist Dr. Pradeep Pande, who presented at the program, mentioned that mobile phone and internet addiction is prevalent among people of all ages, from children to the elderly. He stated that 10% to 50% of people are addicted to mobile phones, and excessive use is a primary cause of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

DSP Umesh Prasad Sah from the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau presented data showing a rise in cybercrimes due to the misuse of social media. He reported that Facebook is the most commonly misused platform. Currently, 3.7 million people in Nepal use mobile phones, with more than half of them using Facebook. According to Sah, 243,000 photos are uploaded to Facebook every minute, and students from grades 10 to 12 are the primary users. He gave examples of incidents such as sexual exploitation, gang rape, and trafficking that have occurred through Facebook and Messenger. He further stated that the lack of specific laws related to cybercrime is exacerbating the situation.

He added, "According to the Electronic Transactions Act of 2006, Section 47, we are supposed to take action, but to date, no one has been punished according to this law." IT expert Ashwini Bhattrai emphasized that many teenagers unknowingly become victims of bullying, so it is essential to raise awareness when using social media. She also suggested that cybercrime education should be integrated into the curriculum.

She said, "When using free Wi-Fi, people need to be aware of how and where to use their personal documents. Parents must also be informed about what devices their children can use at what age."

Lawyer Ramchandra Gautam (RC) stated that the law has not been effective in addressing those involved in cybercrime, and there is a need to spread awareness about this issue. Sushil Kumar Karki, President of the Rotary Club of Kathmandu, mentioned that mobile addiction and bullying are becoming disasters in human lives and that all parties must unite to tackle these problems. The Rotary Club is conducting nationwide programs to raise awareness and find solutions to these issues.