PSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CYBERBULLYING MANIFESTATIONS AMONG STUDENTS

Abstract

The article examines the psychological features of cyberbullying among student youth and analyzes the modern views of scientists on the problem. The theoretical and methodological analysis of the problem of cyberbullying in the educational environment was carried out and approaches to its study were identified. The purpose of the article is an empirical study of the characteristics of cyberbullying among student youth. There have been highlighted the main approaches to the definition of the term “cyberbullying”, which was characterized as a form of harassment of participants in the educational process through the use of electronic means of communication, such as e-mail, mobile phone, personal Internet sites, for intentional, repeated and hostile behavior of a person or a group directed at the insult of other people. It is found that cyberbullying can be defined according to three criteria: intentionality, duration- repetition and inequality. These actions can lead to serious consequences for victims, so it is important to pay attention to the prevention of cyberbullying and the protection of Internet users from psychological pressure and violence. The signs of cyberbullying among student youth, particularly in social networks, were analyzed. The cyberbullying is empirically researched to be a common phenomenon among students who use social networks. It is determined that the majority of higher education students experience psychological violence on the Internet with varying frequency, which demonstrates the prevalence of the problem and the need for further development of theoretical foundations and practical research of cyberbullying in the educational environment. It has been confirmed that safe and positive online communication should be a top priority in ensuring the rights and well-being of student youth. The obtained results demonstrate the need for measures to combat cyberbullying, including support for victims and witnesses, as well as holding cyberbullies accountable.