Who is impacted by this issue?

Cyberbullying in India is a growing crisis that affects students, women, and even working professionals. Since an increasing proportion of children across India use the internet regularly, they are at the risk of being subject to this form of abuse. According to a UNICEF global report, 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberbullying, and in India around 35% of adolescents have experienced some form of cyberbullying, which stands the highest worldwide; however, this isn’t limited to students. 30% of all cybercrime victims in India are women!

These aren’t just statistics, but rather real people, just like us, and we all deserve stringent laws that recognize and address the prevalent digital threats.

What is at stake?

If cyberbullying continues unchecked, the consequences for individuals and society are deeply troubling. Unlike traditional bullying, this abuse doesn't stop at the school gate; it follows them home, hiding behind screens and usernames, making it constant, inescapable, and isolating. The anonymity of the internet strips away accountability, leaving victims to bear the weight of cruelty alone. 

This emotional toll can lead to chronic psychological trauma, disrupt academic progress, and even damage reputations significantly. Many youngsters lose their motivation, confidence, sometimes even their lives as a result of intense forms of bullying. 

A study by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) found that 35% of students in India have experienced cyberbullying, and 30% of these students reported a noticeable decline in their academic performance as a direct result of the same.

Yet, without clear legal protections or structured support, many remain unheard, and perpetrators walk away without consequences.

Why is now the time to act?

We must take immediate action, as cyberbullying is only going to continue to escalate as our lives become more and more dependent on the digital and virtual ecosystem. Without targeted reforms in law, education, and mental health support, this crisis will only worsen, putting more people, including you and your loved ones, at risk. Given the alarming statistics, we have to collectively push for comprehensive policies, school-based interventions, and community awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around reporting cyberbullying and creating a safer, more compassionate digital space where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive without fear.

With this petition, we urge lawmakers to enact a comprehensive law against cyberbullying.

Such a law or an act should: 

1. Clearly define all forms of online abuse – Provide a legal definition of cyberbullying, distinguishing it from general bullying and eliminating ambiguity in enforcement. Currently, cyberbullying exists only as a subset of bullying, without distinct legal consequences .
2. Outline strict penalties for perpetrators – Establish clear and proportionate punishments to deter offenders and ensure accountability for fostering unsafe digital spaces.
3. Ensure swift action against online offenders – Mandate prompt investigation of reported cyberbullying cases by dedicated cybercrime cells.
4. Provide holistic support for victims – Ensure access to mental health counselling, legal aid, school-based resources, and online safety education, helping victims recover and rebuild confidence.