Journalists and civil society actors have been urged to seek psychosocial support from qualified professionals whenever they experience cyberbullying and online harassment.

The call was made by a psychosocial counsellor from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Bosco Sakala, who noted that journalists and civil society actors are among the groups most exposed to online abuse due to the nature of their work.

Sakala made the remarks during an orientation meeting held in Blantyre, which brought together journalists and members of civil society to strategize on effective ways of coping with cyberbullying and other forms of digital harassment.

He emphasized the importance of seeking professional help, stressing that prolonged exposure to online abuse can have serious psychological effects if not properly addressed.

One of the participants, Haleemah Sangala from Mzati Radio and Television, said journalists are increasingly vulnerable to violence perpetrated on digital platforms, adding that the orientation had come at a timely moment.

She described the engagement as a practical solution that equips media practitioners with coping mechanisms to deal with online harassment and protect their mental well-being.

The meeting was organized by Umunthu Plus in collaboration with Chipembere Community Development Organization and Umunthu FM, with support from CIVICUS.

The activity forms part of the ongoing My Democracy, My Digital Rights Project, which seeks to promote a safe and inclusive digital civic space for journalists and civil society actors.