A Lesson on Cyberbullying in the Case of Kindness Wilson.
Kindness Wilson from Grand Gedeh County represented Liberia in Thailand at the Beauty Pageant. During the event, she intended to sing the Liberian National Anthem but unfortunately blundered. She returned home to find herself the target of online ridicule.
Her video was widely shared on social media, and many people mocked her for her performance.
This behavior is a clear example of CYBERBULLYING – the use of digital platforms to embarrass, humiliate, or harm someone.
Examples of Cyberbullying:
- Sending mean or threatening messages or emails.
- Spreading rumors or lies about someone online.
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos without permission.
- Creating fake profiles to impersonate or mock someone.
- Excluding someone from online groups or activities intentionally.
Cyberbullying can have serious emotional and psychological effects, especially on children and teenagers, but it can happen to anyone. It’s important to speak out, report it, and support those affected.
What may seem like a harmless joke or meme can deeply affect the person on the receiving end.
In this case, the emotional toll became too much for Kindness to bear. Therefore, when she came face-to-face with someone who reposted her video, she responded by slapping them- a physical reaction to the digital pain she had endured.
While violence is never the right answer, this incident shows how powerful and harmful online bullying can be. Instead of tearing each other down, we should learn to show empathy, especially when someone makes a mistake while trying their best.
The Legal Aspect:
Legally, Kindness Wilson was wrong for slapping the girl who reposted the video—even if she was emotionally hurt by the cyberbullying.
Here why:
1. Physical Assault Is a Crime
- Slapping someone is considered assault or battery in most legal systems, even if the person provoked it.
- The girl she slapped could report the incident to the police, and Kindness Wilson could face criminal charges, such as:
- Misdemeanor assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Fines or even jail time (depending on the country and laws). Since Liberia does not have formal cybersecurity/Privacy laws, I am not sure how far this could go.
2. Self-Control Is Expected
- The law expects people to handle disputes through legal or peaceful means, not violence.
- Even if someone’s feelings are hurt by bullying, the proper action is to report the content, seek help from authorities, legal aid, or cybercrime units, and not take matters into their own hands.
3. The Poster Could Face Consequences,
- If the video was reposted maliciously to shame or harass Kindness, the girl who shared it might also be liable under cyberbullying, defamation, or privacy laws, depending on Liberia’s Law.
- Kindness could file a complaint or lawsuit for emotional distress, especially if it affected her mental health or public reputation.
Conclusion:
Both individuals might face legal consequences. Kindness could be charged for physical assault, while the poster could be investigated for cyberbullying or online harassment.
While Kindness’s emotional reaction is understandable, it’s always best to respond through the legal system or seek counseling and support rather than resorting to violence. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity—online and offline.
Call to Action: Protecting Citizens in the Digital Age
This incident is a wake-up call for the Government of Liberia to take urgent action in addressing the growing threat of cyberbullying and online abuse. In a world where digital platforms shape public opinion and personal reputations, the absence of a comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection law leaves Liberians vulnerable to emotional harm, character defamation, and digital exploitation.
We urge the government, through the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and the Liberian Legislature, to:
- Draft and enact a National Cybersecurity and Data Protection Law that addresses online harassment, privacy violations, cyberbullying, and digital rights.
- Establish a cybercrime response unit to investigate and act on reports of online abuse.
- Promote digital literacy and online safety education across schools and communities to build a culture of responsible internet use.
- Ensure victims of cyberbullying have access to legal, mental health, and community support.
Digital spaces must not become tools of harm.
It is time for Liberia to prioritize cybersecurity and online safety as part of national security and human rights.
The internet should connect us, not destroy us. Let’s protect our citizens, especially the most vulnerable, in this digital era.
About the Author
Marcus T. Blamoh
Marcus is the founder of Valsal Information Security Group in Liberia and a seasoned Cybersecurity expert with 25 years of IT experience. He has spent the last seven years protecting the informational assets of various companies in the UK and the United States. Marcus is very passionate about cybersecurity in Liberia, and his vision is to use cybersecurity to inspire, motivate, and train Liberians in protecting the nation’s most critical infrastructures. Marcus holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Saint Leo’s University, Florida, USA, and a series of Cybersecurity and IT Certifications.
Email: marcus.blamoh@valsalinfosec.com
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