Digital Literacy Education and Cyberbullying Combat: Scope and Perspectives

The growing globalization process has boosted the rapid development of the digital era and technology and given rise to a new concept of citizenship, that of global citizenship and cyber-citizenship, which imposes a new way of being and knowing how to act with others. The cyberbullying phenomenon and the preoccupation to combat it emerged in this context. This paper reflects on the role of education in digital literacy to prevent cyberbullying using a citation-based literature review conducted using this trilogy. Digital literacy was found to help individuals understand appropriate online behaviour and ethical guidelines, enabling them to recognize what constitutes cyberbullying and understand the potential consequences of their actions. By promoting responsible online behaviour, digital literacy can reduce the incidence of cyberbullying. Digital literacy empowers individuals to recognize signs of cyberbullying, whether they are victims or bystanders. By being aware of different forms of cyberbullying, such as harassment, impersonation, or spreading rumours, individuals can identify when they or others are being targeted. This awareness allows for early intervention and support. Moreover, digital literacy encourages individuals to be active bystanders and intervene when they witness cyberbullying. It gives them the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately, such as reporting the incident to relevant authorities or supporting the victim. By empowering bystanders, digital literacy promotes a collective effort to combat cyberbullying. In conclusion, digital literacy is crucial in comprehending and addressing cyberbullying, equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and a responsible mindset for engaging in the digital world.