4 The Double-edged sword of Social media Approach to CyberbullyingConversely, in Japan, the same digital tools contributed to the tragedy of Hana Kimura, a professional wrestler and reality TV star, who faced relentless online harassment that escalated after her appearance on "Terrace House." This cyberbullying severely impacted her mental health, leading to her suicide in 2020. The aftermath sparked a national debate on the negative effects of social media, culminating in legislative changes aimed at combating online harassment, including harsher penalties for cyberbullies.Hungary's Strategy: Hungary has also recognized the need to address bullying and cyberbullying. Local initiatives, guided by national policies, include the establishment of liaison councils on measures against bullying and affiliate organizations under relevant boards of education. These bodies are tasked with implementing and overseeing anti-bullying strategies in schools. Moreover, Hungarian policies emphasize the early detection and prevention of bullying, calling for the integration of external professionals in handling suspected cases, thus providing a comprehensive approach to prevent and address bullying incidents The dual nature of social media is clearly highlighted by contrasting incidents in Hungary and Japan, illustrating its capability to both empower and harm. In Hungary, social media acted as a catalyst for justice and collective action following the tragic murder of a Japanese woman named Megumi. The platforms enabled her friends to organize a public demonstration that not only highlighted the local police's failures but also showcased the ability of social media to unite communities and push for systemic changes in handling domestic violence cases. These examples underscore the profound impact of social media. It can mobilize societal support and drive change but also has the potential to unleash destructive behavior that can lead to tragic outcomes. This underscores the necessity for careful monitoring and responsive measures by authorities to harness the positive aspects of social media while reducing its risks. The challenge lies in balancing the encouragement of free expression and support through these platforms with the prevention of their misuse to ensure that social media remains a force for good.Japan's Approach: Following the tragic suicide of Hana Kimura, which was heavily influenced by online harassment, Japan has significantly toughened its stance on cyberbullying. The Japanese government has amended its penal code to make online insults punishable by up to one year in prison and fines up to 330,000 yen (approximately $2,500). This legislative change aims to deter harmful online behavior by imposing stricter penalties on those found guilty of cyberbullying. Additionally, Japan is exploring the use of artificial intelligence in schools to predict and prevent potential bullying incidents, ensuring timely intervention before situations escalate.
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