Cyberbullying – A Crime Specific to the New Digital Era

Abstract

The main means of interpersonal communication in the digital age has become the Internet, creating a virtual social environment in which people can exchange goods and information, meet, debate, and act. At the same time, with the development of new digital technologies, bullying has also evolved, transforming into cyberbullying – its modern form -, which takes various forms. Although cyberbullying is similar to traditional bullying by repeating aggressions, there are differences caused by the protection of anonymity in the virtual space, but also by the fact that the aggressor requires not so much physical and social skills, but technological skills. Easy and quick access to information and communication technology can represent an enormous benefit of the digital age, but also a great danger; it depends on the spirit of discernment, which determines how to use technology. Risk factors for cyberbullying are: risk-taking, impulsive behavior, depression, and reactions to major life-changing events. In cyberspace, there may be numerous witnesses, and the exchange of denigrating information by them creates the risk of unlimited dissemination, associated with great psychological trauma for the victim, the consequences being potentially fatal. Cyberbullicide - suicide directly or indirectly influenced by violent online experiences - is a worrying phenomenon, with children being the most vulnerable. Preventing cyberbullying consists of raising children's awareness of the risks of online exposure, by involving parents, teachers, the Police, as well as by implementing public policies for prevention and respect for rights in the online environment, especially children's rights. At the same time, children must be educated to use technology responsibly. However, preventive measures have often proven ineffective or have been criticized because they conflict with the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Romanian Constitution, such as freedom of expression. A society whose students learn from an early age to adopt non-violent attitudes and to treat their peers with respect and tolerance will become a healthy society.