Cyberbullying on the rise in Namibia's digital age
Cyberbullying is emerging as a serious threat in Namibia’s increasingly digital society, with alarming reports of online harassment, impersonation, and intimidation surfacing across social media platforms and messaging apps.Fake photos, anonymous threats, online impersonation, and WhatsApp groups used to mock individuals are no longer rare occurrences. For many Namibians, these are lived experiences that highlight the dark underside of online connectivity.
Cyberbullying, broadly defined as the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten or embarrass someone, is becoming more prevalent as internet access expands. It often occurs on social media, messaging apps, online games, and email, and unlike traditional bullying, it can happen anytime, anywhere, often anonymously.
Common forms of cyberbullying include the creation of fake profiles to spread harmful content, the sharing of private information or images without consent, and the circulation of offensive messages or rumours. Due to the permanence and rapid spread of digital content, victims frequently suffer long-term emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
In Namibia, cyberbullying may be prosecuted under existing legislation such as the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009), which prohibits using telecommunications to send threatening or offensive messages. Although Namibia does not yet have specific cyberbullying laws, related acts such as the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019 aim to ensure secure and responsible electronic communications.
A proposed Cybercrime Bill is currently under review, which, once passed, will introduce more explicit regulations and penalties for online abuse, including the non-consensual sharing of private content.
What to do
According to the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), housed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), there are several steps individuals can take to protect themselves:
• Enable privacy settings and restrict unknown followers.
• Save evidence, such as screenshots, for future reference.
• Avoid responding to online bullies.
• Block offenders using platform or device settings.
• Report harmful behaviour to platform administrators or law enforcement.
• Monitor children’s online activity and educate them on responsible use.
Legal recourse is available through general criminal laws and civil suits. Victims suffering reputational harm can file defamation claims under Namibian law.
NAM-CSIRT urges all internet users to think carefully before posting or engaging online, reminding the public that online content is often permanent and far-reaching.
Anyone facing serious threats should contact the Namibian Police or seek legal assistance.