The problem of peer cyberbullying from the students’ perspective

Mirjana Senić Ružić and Zorica Šaljić

Summary:  Cyberbullying is a growing societal issue requiring an adequate social and institutional response due to the consequences it may have on all subjects involved. Given its presence among students, their views should be considered when planning preventive strategies. Therefore, researching students’ perspectives on the cyberbullying problem stands out as significant. This research focuses on students’ opinions on various aspects of the problem of cyberbullying – its definition, severity, presence, and causes. The study included 856 students from elementary schools in Belgrade. The results show that more than half of the students consider that cyberbullying is present among their peers. They are aware of the severity of the cyberbullying problem and its consequences; however, variations are present in view of age and gender when different aspects of cyberbullying and the factors leading to it are observed. The majority of students recognise behaviours representing cyberbullying, while they are uncertain about behaviours that are not cyberbullying per se but that can easily assume these characteristics depending on the context. The findings imply that an integrated approach to prevention is important, aimed at raising awareness of the gravity of the cyberbullying problem and its consequences, as well as developing digital literacy and strengthening the capacities of both families and schools for appropriate and continuous preventive action.