Thailand’s leading mobile network operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) is campaigning against name-calling on social media, as part of the “Stop Cyberbullying Day” this year.
The company calls on Thai netizens to unite against cyberbullying, particularly the behaviour of directing insulting or demeaning labels at individuals or groups of people.
People should be addressed by their actual names, and not their physical appearance, gender identity or occupation, says Saichon Submakudom, head of public relations at AIS.
“By calling people something else that is not their name, you are hurting their feelings and the pain may stay for the rest of their lives,” Saichon said.
She said people who do name-calling may not view it as a serious problem, but people who are called by those names do not think it’s fun or admirable.
According to her, AIS has launched the “Please Call Me by My Name” campaign to mark Stop Cyberbullying Day, which is celebrated on the third Friday of June and falls on June 17 this year.
AIS Aunjai Cyber, the digital-life service provider’s arm dealing with cyber wellness, has been actively preventing cyber threats through digital tools, according to Saichon.
It has raised public awareness of all forms of cyber threats, particularly cyberbullying that may be overlooked by many people. In fact, online bullying could pose a serious social issue as the embarrassed victims may develop severe mental problems caused by depression or anxiety disorder.
“It may start with teasing or ridiculing, and a variety of persecution could follow. Those could eventually lead to violent communication through the keyboard. Things may worsen and develop into a conflict and hatred,” Saichon said.
AIS Aunjai Cyber, which encourages safe and creative online skills among Thai netizens, has placed much importance on tackling the issue of cyberbullying, according to her. She added that cyberbullying has become a social issue these days when people spend their lives online for several hours per day.
“We aim to mark this year’s Stop Cyberbullying Day by urging Thais to use the Internet and social media properly, safely and creatively,” said the AIS’s PR chief.
Also, she urged Thai netizens to be aware of all forms of online bullying and help stop the name-calling.
“We should make cyberspace a safe zone for all,” Saichon concludes.
