Psychological Features of Cyberbullying as a Form of Internet Crime

Abstract

The aim of the investigation reported in this paper is to study the problem of Internet bullying among teenagers in and outside of school. The article describes motives, types, and modes of bullying. The authors (a) analyzed foreign studies in the field of school bullying and its features, as well as aggressive behavior, (b) showed
the connection between school bullying and cyberbullying, and (c) classified the influence of school bullying on teenagers’ psychics and behavior, their future life and professional activity.
The empirical study involved 53 high-school students. The respondents answered the questions about school violence (as a victim or a witness), as well as made an assumption about persons responsible for its cease. The Internet was considered to be a harmful environment for the fragile psyche of a teenager. The authors emphasize
the necessity of parental monitoring of their children’s activities in social nets. The present study (a) offered possible ways of bullying problems solution, (b) explained the necessity of a serious approach to the problem and scientific research of its various aspects, and (c) attempted to attract attention of the scientific community
to these urgent issues. The authors paid attention to psychological consequences of cyberbullying for all the participants of interaction and explain the necessity of limiting the access to the Internet and social nets for teenagers, as well as parental monitoring and control. In conclusion, the authors offered recommendations for the
prevention of cyberbullying, limitation of Internet access and mobile communication for teenagers. These recommendations are can be useful for school teachers and teenagers’ parents.