PREVENTING CYBERBULLYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA: THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Abstract

This is a problem that has been escalating on different platforms as not only does cyberbullying negatively impact the mental and emotional health of young people, but there are also legal ramifications. This report seeks to explore the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying on young people and the challenges for parents and educators in addressing cyberbullying. The study looks into the experiences, level of awareness, responses and reactions to cyberbullying among a sample of 510 students, using questionnaires and interviews, and the literature on intervention strategies was reviewed to support the findings. The findings reveal that students are heavy users of social media and are also highly affected emotionally when cyberbullied and that parents and teachers often lack the knowledge and confidence to deal with cyberbullying. In response to this, the study has suggested a number of recommendations for strengthening the educational programmes, improving the reporting procedures, involving of parents, giving more intensive teacher training and more psychological support to victims. The results provide practical advice and strategies for creating a safer online world for youth, and highlight the role of community involvement and technology in the fight against cyberbullying.