Extract

Introduction

Internet use is very popular among youngsters, for whom electronic communication is the primary method of all-to-all contact. It has currently been noted that various forms of aggression, such as insults, minor conflicts, separations and violence take place amongst youth on the Internet as well.

Even though most of this behavior takes place after school, and it would seem that it is not a schools’ duty to react to student’s after-school activities, the negative effects of such behavior may influence a student’s psychological well-being and the quality of his or her school performance.

Cyberbullying – definition and range of the phenomenon

The term “cyberbullying” was used for the first time by the Canadian teacher Bill Beldey. Cyberbullying is a form of violence whose development is related to technological advancement. Violence is a well known phenomenon in schools and is described as a repeated behavior or approach which, directly or indirectly, aims to humiliate the victim. Such behavior aims to achieve dominance through physical or psychological harm.

The increasing availability of the Internet and the use of smartphones have provided new means of communication for adolescents. Today’s youth are the first generation to grow up in a society where the Internet is an integral part of everyday life. This change was followed by newly observed forms of molestation of children.

It is why scientists are increasingly interested in the role of the Internet and other forms of...