Forum: Sharing viral bullying video deepens victim’s pain

A video surfaced recently showing a teenager pressing a butterfly knife to another boy’s neck (

5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt

, July 23). The last few seconds are humiliating and terrifying. No child should ever have to endure such fear.

What’s worse is how quickly the video spread online. For some, it became entertainment and for others, it was an example to create awareness and voice their concerns. For the victim, it’s trauma that will never be erased. Every time the video is shared, it adds another layer of humiliation and normalises violence.

This is not “kids being kids”. When weapons are involved and violence becomes a performance for social media, it crosses the line.

Bullying today is not what it used to be. It doesn’t stop at the school gate; it follows children home through screens, amplified by peer pressure and viral culture. And when it escalates into physical harm, the consequences can be devastating.

Behind every negative behaviour is a story – unmet needs, broken communication, influences that glorify aggression. This truth doesn’t excuse the act, but it reminds us that punishment alone cannot break the cycle. Prevention must start with understanding.

We need to teach empathy, respect and conflict resolution early. We need to empower bystanders to be upstanders. Victims deserve protection and support; aggressors need intervention to unlearn harmful patterns. And parents must play an active role because values start at home.

Most importantly, stop sharing the video. Every click deepens the victim’s pain. Instead, let this be a turning point – to talk, to educate, and to act.

Delane Lim
Executive Director
Character & Leadership Academy