Teen wins Int’l Children’s Peace Prize for anti-cyberbullying app

Meet Sadat Rahman, who has won this year’s International Children’s Peace Prize for his work in combating cyberbullying.

Human Rights Activist and Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai on November 14 announced the award to 17-year-old from Bangladesh for his involvement in setting up his social organisation and mobile app “Cyber Teens” to stop cyber bullying.

Sadat started his campaign after a 15-year-old committed suicide after suffering cyberbullying.

The app “’Cyber Teen” has given a platform to helpless teenagers needing help.

About 1,800 teenagers in his local district have now used the app.

This app allows young people to report cyberbullying confidentially through a network of volunteers who then approach police or social workers, while also educating teenagers about online safety.

Saadat plans to use the award money $118,000 to spread the app further in his home country.

Malala described him as “an inspiration”. “He’s calling on young people all over the world to stop cyberullying and help peers in their community who suffer from mental and emotional violence. Sadat is a true changemaker,” she said in an online speech.

The International Children’s Peace Prize is an annual award that recognises the work of young people who promote children’s rights. Previous winners include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.