Comedian Anisa Nandaula reveals relentless bullying, supports social media ban

A viral video with five million views triggered hundreds of derogatory attacks on comedian Anisa Nandaula, prompting her support for Australia’s social media restrictions.

Australia’s fastest-rising comedian Anisa Nandaula has revealed for the first time the relentless social-media bullying she endured — despite amassing nearly one million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

She says the experience has shaped her support for Australia’s under-16 social-media ban.

Anisa said one particular viral video that reached five million views exposed her to widespread harassment from people around the globe. Hundreds of derogatory videos targeted her appearance, skin and political views.

Aussie comedian Anisa Nandaula has opened up about the relentless social-media bullying she endured.

“A friend reached out to check if I was okay, which made me realise that I was omnipresent on social media, but not for positive reasons,” she said.

“Hundreds of derogatory videos were created, criticising my appearance, skin, and political views. Each hurtful comment affected me deeply, causing me to question my self-worth.

“I managed to cope with this ordeal thanks to my therapist and supportive family, but I doubt that my 15-year-old self would have been able to endure such an experience.”

The comic, who moved to Australia from Uganda at age eight, said the ordeal opened her eyes to the risks social media poses for young people.

She said that if she’d been taught social-media literacy at a younger age, she would have been far better equipped to cope with the abuse.

“A social media ban is beneficial because young people need opportunities to develop resilience, self-confidence, and the ability to distinguish between real and fake news,” she said.

“Social media is designed to be addictive, keeping users engaged for hours daily. Without self-awareness, young people may not realise if they are being negatively affected, which can lead to significant issues.

“I learned everything the hard way through experiences with harassment, threats, and body image struggles.”

Anisa Nandaula says that if she’d been taught social-media literacy at a younger age, she would have been far better equipped to cope with the abuse she received on social media.

Anisa also stressed the importance of real-world connection, urging young people to spend time with friends and family offline wherever possible.

“Have game nights, join social clubs, go play sports with your friends,” she said.

“This is an opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills and I know for me going to clubs and finding new hobbies was very helpful for meeting people.

“It can be hard but it is always worth it.”

Anisa Nandaula says Australia’s social media ban for under-16s “can make a real difference”.

She said her experience highlights the emotional cost of online fame, even for established creators.

Anisa said she hoped these reforms, combined with greater social media literacy, would help young users build confidence and resilience before encountering online harassment.

“Without guidance, young people can be exposed to damaging content before they are equipped to cope,” she said.

“Policies like this can make a real difference,” she said.

Originally published as Comedian Anisa Nandaula reveals relentless bullying, supports social media ban