Situation of Cyberbullying in schools: A quantitative study

Abstract

Cyberbullying occurs using technological device and communication devices through internet and it is the current issue with technological enhancement all over the world. This quantitative study aims to explore the perception of students about cyberbullying, situation, and policy applied by selected schools to counter cyberbullying. This study explores the situation of cyberbullying in six secondary level schools inside Kathmandu districts. Findings of the study reveals that all schools have access of internet and most of the students have mobile phone access. Majority of respondents are aware about the concern of password protection including online safety. However, knowledge on cyberbullying within the online world it limited. Normally, secondary level students are victim of cyberbullying through harassment done using nasty texts messages, videos, social media hacking, fake profiles, etc. One out of three respondents reflected their experience of cyberbullying and most other reported about the cyberbullying faced by their parents. School representative respondent shows their agreement with cyberbullying as a major problem in schools and noted their dissatisfaction towards having no IT policy to counter and prevent such situations. Only 50 percentage schools conduct awareness program in their school about cyberbullying and cybersecurity. Further this study finds out the use of CCTV surveillance system as a major tool to prevent cyberbullying in school. Major challenges leading to limited understanding of cyberbullying in students is due to the lack of parent’s awareness and standard curriculum that prioritize cybersecurity. Overall, this study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and proactive strategies to combat cyberbullying in Nepali schools. And it advocates for integrated educational approaches, robust policies, and enhanced awareness.