An Islamic Counseling Approach to Helping Victims of Digital Violence (Cyberbullying) Among

Abstract

The rise of digital technology and social media has led to a surge in digital violence or cyberbullying, which has become a critical psychological and social issue among teenagers. Victims of cyberbullying often experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. This research aims to explore how Islamic counseling can be applied as a holistic approach to assist teenage victims in overcoming the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral impacts of digital violence. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method, involving in-depth interviews and observations with teenage victims who participated in Islamic counseling sessions guided by Qur’anic and Prophetic principles. The counseling process emphasizes tazkiyah an-nafs (purification of the soul), muhasabah (self-reflection), sabr (patience), tawakkul (trust in Allah), and akhlaq (moral behavior) as core elements of healing. The findings reveal that Islamic counseling effectively reduces negative emotions such as revenge, helplessness, and despair, while fostering forgiveness, resilience, and a positive self-concept through religious coping. Participants reported improved emotional regulation, stronger faith, and greater psychological stability after engaging in the counseling process. Moreover, the integration of psychological coping strategies and Islamic spiritual principles provided victims with meaningful frameworks for interpreting their experiences, restoring their self-esteem, and promoting ethical digital behavior. The study concludes that Islamic counseling offers a comprehensive framework that addresses both mental and spiritual healing, distinguishing it from purely secular approaches. It empowers victims to transform pain into growth, rebuild moral consciousness, and strengthen their relationship with Allah. These results support previous findings that emphasize the value of faith-based interventions in adolescent mental health recovery. Hence, Islamic counseling should be further developed and implemented within schools, counseling centers, and community programs as an effective model for addressing the growing challenge of cyberbullying among teenagers.