Cyberbullying: Why the Internet Can Turn Into a Battlefield?

Cyberbullying is a problem that is growing every day. A study sifted through 6,271 articles in Scopus and found only 14 that truly address this issue. To get a clearer picture, 193 Portuguese students aged 10 to 19 answered a questionnaire. The results show that online violence heavily impacts students’ mental well‑being. But there’s good news: schools can act. The authors recommend teaching social and emotional skills, promoting responsible tech use, training teachers to spot and manage incidents, setting clear intervention protocols, and involving students who witness bullying—called "cyber‑observers"—as active prevention agents. Cyberbullying isn’t just anonymous attacks; it often extends face‑to‑face aggression. That’s why fostering digital citizenship is key, with teachers and administrators guiding the creation of safe online spaces. Well‑structured educational programs help students report problems and reduce cyberbullying incidents, boosting mental health and the overall school experience.

Cyberbullying is a complex phenomenon that involves psychological, social, and technological aspects. This study’s literature review used the Scopus database, applying the keywords "cyberbullying," "students," and "perceptions." From an initial pool of 6,271 articles, 14 were deemed relevant for their rigorous methodology and focus on risk and protective factors. The questionnaire methodology, administered to 193 Portuguese students, followed internal validity guidelines, with items measuring victimization frequency, perceived online safety, and self‑efficacy in reporting bullying incidents. Results show a significant correlation between cyberbullying frequency and higher levels of anxiety and depression, confirming literature that indicates long‑term emotional harm. Intervention strategy analysis highlights the importance of a multidimensional approach: (1) development of socio‑emotional skills; (2) promotion of mindful technology use; (3) specific teacher training; (4) clear school intervention protocols; (5) empowerment of digital observers; and (6) recognition of the link between cyber and traditional bullying. Subsequent studies, such as those by Kowalski & Limber (2013) and Hinduja & Patchin (2018), have shown that digital education programs increase reporting propensity and reduce cyberbullying incidents. To effectively implement these strategies, schools must integrate digital citizenship into curricula, provide resources for psychological support, and maintain transparent communication with parents. Ongoing research continues to evolve, with new intervention models leveraging artificial intelligence to monitor online content and predict bullying behaviors. In summary, the combination of empirical evidence and intervention practices offers a promising path to reduce the impact of cyberbullying and promote a safer, more inclusive school environment.