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Home Stories 2020, Sadat Rahman (17), Bangladesh

2020, Sadat Rahman (17), Bangladesh

Sadat (17) is from Bangladesh. Because of his father's job as a government postman, Sadat had to move frequently when he was young. Although this was difficult for him, he always made the best of it. He learned new things and made new friends in every town he lived in. Due to the many moves, Sadat kept in touch with his friends via the internet. He discovered many possibilities of the internet and found his passion for making videos and websites. Later, this would come in handy to help other children. He uses these technical skills to help other children and young people through his innovative cyberbullying app, Cyber ​​Teens.

Narail volunteers

Sadat discovered the power of coming together with other young people in 2017, when Rohingya people fleeing the atrocities in Myanmar sought refuge in Bangladesh. Sadat and his friends organized a cycle rally for peace, and inspired by the experience, he set up his own organization: Narail Volunteers. The group has addressed a variety of children’s rights issues.

A story about a 15-year-old girl who committed suicide after suffering from cyberbullying moved Sadat so much, that he created the anti-cyberbullying app ‘Cyber Teens’ to give helpless teenagers a place to go for help. One of the major issues around cyberbullying is that young people are afraid to report it to the police or to inform their parents. The app gives young people information about internet safety and gives them the possibility to report cyberbullying confidentially. Cyber specialists, social workers and the police are brought together via his organization.

Anti-cyberbullying app Cyber Teens

The app has already supported over 300 victims of cyberbullying, including by reporting fake social media accounts and providing support for mental health problems. The app has led to the arrest of eight perpetrators of cybercrimes so far. Sadat has also reached over 45,000 teenagers with internet safety seminars in schools and colleges. He has created “Cyber Clubs” in every school in his local area. In these clubs, young people are educated on digital literacy knowledge. He now wants to spread the app beyond his local area to help victims of cyberbullying across Bangladesh.

A recent UN study shows that 1 out of 3 young people worldwide experience cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, but ultimately can also lead to physical health issues, like sleep deprivation, self-harm or even suicide.

"I live in a remote area,” says Sadat, “and I am a very ordinary boy. If I can save teenagers from cyberbullying, why can’t others? "

- SADAT RAHMAN, 2020 WINNER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE

Sadat's Story

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