Author(s) : Muqaddas Gondal & Farkhanda Siddiqui

Abstract:

Abstract

 

Instances of Harassment are increasing in our society day by day. Cyberbullying is one of the most disastrous of these harassments, which has ruined thousands of lives in our surroundings. The current study is intended to explore the causes, and effects of cyberbullying in higher education classrooms. For this purpose, the study used a qualitative research design. An interview protocol was developed and data was collected from a conveniently selected sample of 20 respondents from undergraduate programs. The collected data was read and re-read. Thematic analysis was carried out to identify the causes and effects of cyberbullying. It was revealed that the majority of the respondents are not known about the cyberbullying policy or helpline introduced by the government of Pakistan. One of the leading causes identified by the majority of the respondents related to cyberbullying is the use of digital technology generally and social media apps particularly. The study recommended the steps that might be taken up for policy and planning to minimize cyberbully among students.

Keywords: Cyber Bully, Harassment, Technology, Social media Apps, Cybercrime