The relevance of cyberbullying as a global problem is growing every day. This is facilitated by developing information technologies, which unite an increasing number of people. However, the papers on this topic and the number of evidence-based interventions remain unsatisfactory (Zhu et al., 2021). This factor, in turn, formulates the basis of the research proposal – the need to analyze the causes of cyberbullying in the international context. In addition, it is essential to study the available and possible countermeasures to reduce the number of victims of cyberbullying.
In this study, it is proposed to consider cyberbullying from a criminological perspective. It is necessary to note the close relationship between conventional bullying and cyberbullying (Ansary, 2020). Such a connection is expressed mainly in the concept of violence applied to the victim. Although a person cannot be physically harmed, various means of psychological pressure can be applied to them. Therefore, crimes in the information space must be considered the same way as ordinary ones. Simultaneously, studies show that this topic is rarely considered from the criminological perspective, and research on the offender’s characteristics is minimal (Zhang et al., 2021). Thus, the choice of such a specific perspective for analysis is relevant.
To conduct further research, it is necessary to derive a specific formulation of the cyberbullying phenomenon. Analysis shows no clear consensus in the scientific community on this issue, which leads to additional confusion in the analysis of the situation (Ansary, 2020). Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the critical elements of this phenomenon to form a definition. They are the use of modern communication technologies, the aggressiveness of actions, and their constancy. Thus, cyberbullying can be understood as using information tools for the constant commission of aggressive actions, such as harassment and blackmail.
The importance of this study lies in its unique criminological perspective, which is rare in the literature. Since cyberbullying is the same crime in its essence as ordinary harassment, an appropriate attitude should be formed towards it. However, the current gaps in the literature and intervention mechanics do not allow to solve this problem effectively. According to statistics, over the past few years, the number of such crimes has increased significantly (Zhu et al., 2021). Given the pace of technology development, this issue can only grow soon. Since anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying, the results of this study are potentially crucial for the well-being of society.
References
Ansary, N. S. (2020). Cyberbullying: Concepts, theories, and correlates informing evidence-based best practices for prevention. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 50, 101343.
Zhang, S., Leidner, D., Cao, X., & Liu, N. (2021). Workplace cyberbullying: A criminological and routine activity perspective. Journal of Information Technology, 02683962211027888.
Zhu, C., Huang, S., Evans, R., & Zhang, W. (2021). Cyberbullying among adolescents and children: a comprehensive review of the global situation, risk factors, and preventive measures. Frontiers in Public Health, 167.