Disturbing Internet Contents and Reason for Abuse Among High School Students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of receiving unpleasant and disturbing online content and the reasons for bullying among high school students. Due to the increasing prevalence of bullying on social networks, its negative impact on the physical and mental health of the individual is evident. The participants of the study were high school students (N=399) who in the first part of the measuring instrument rated themselves on a scale from 1 to 4, where (1 means - no, never, 2 means - once, 3 means - several times, 4 means - does not use the Internet). According to the results obtained, no significant gender differences were found in the frequency of receiving unpleasant or disturbing content via the Internet. The largest number of students stated that the basis of bullying behavior are some psychological factors such as dissatisfaction and low self-esteem of the bully. Their recommendation for improving relations is to organize workshops and seminars, as well as more frequent conversations with experts (psychologists, pedagogues). It would also be important to additionally train professional associates in schools, but also students as trusted persons who can provide support to students in the event of online bullying.