Cyberbullying among Young Users of Social Networks

Abstract

In the recent years, the number of studies of modern adolescents’ aggressive behavior in the Internet, including cyberbullying, has increased. However, so far there are few summarizing works describing different aspects of this phenomenon and its specific manifestations in various social networks. The goal of the article is a review of foreign studies on virtual aggression among young users of social networks. Studies revealing peculiarities of the Internet-bullying in popular social networks and its negative psychological consequences are considered. Statistical data on the prevalence of cyberbullying among adolescents in a number of countries are given. The main motives of cyber-aggression are analyzed, as well as risk factors stimulating the involvement of young people in cyberbullying and factors decreasing its influences on the psychological well-being of young users. The article describes some modern areas of cyberbullying prevention. Better understanding peculiarities of adolescents’ aggressive behavior on various virtual platforms will help to develop effective anti-bullying programs and to increase the level of security for youth activities in the digital space.

Keywords

• cyberbullying
• the internet
• adolescents
• aggression
• social networks
• online risks