The More Digital Media It Is, The More Severe It Will Be” Student’s Perception About Cyber Bullying

Abstract

In today's increasingly digital world, cyberbullying is a large concern amongst students. The objective of the current study was to explore the perception of cyberbullying among university students, focusing on their awareness, attitude, experiences, and the psychological impact of online bullying. The current study was conducted at the University of Sargodha. The nature of the study was qualitative research. The data was collected from 20 respondents through in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis using formal coding. The results revealed that excessive use of mobile phones, social media, awareness of many social apps, co-education, sharing contacts, and modernism were the main reasons for cyberbullying. The study also indicated that girls were more victimized than boys. To conclude, the researchers suggested that universities and governmental institutions should take steps to formulate policies regarding cyberbullying. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of creating awareness programs and workshops to educate students about the risks and consequences of cyberbullying. It emphasized the need for effective communication between students, parents, and faculty members to identify and address incidents of cyberbullying promptly. The research also recommended incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum to help students navigate online spaces responsibly and develop empathy toward their peers. This approach could foster a safer online environment and reduce the prevalence of cyberbullying in educational institutions.