Cultivating Digital Citizenship and Peaceful Virtual Interactions through a Cyberbullying Prevention Initiative

Abstract

This action research study implemented and evaluated a student-created cyberbullying prevention campaign in a Colombian middle school where high rates of online harassment were observed. Qualitative methods examined cyberbullying manifestations through surveys and interviews to inform intervention design and assess outcomes. Prior to the campaign, 77% of the students surveyed reported experiencing cyberbullying victimization involving online aggression, image sharing, impersonation, or exclusion. Students then developed videos, podcasts, and other audiovisual media conveying respectful technology use alternatives leveraging the same digital channels used for cyberbullying. Thematic analysis revealed that students gained knowledge responding to cyberbullying, reflected on consequences, and suggested integrating families and professionals in sustaining prevention. Most notably, cyberbullying cases decreased through participants’ conscious technology use promotion. Allowing students’ active participation to counteract norms enabling harm with positive peer modeling was beneficial. While technology facilitates cyberbullying, findings indicate that purposeful digital citizenship development reduces risks and supports safe climates. Schools are crucial in fostering responsible use policies spanning home and academic settings. This exploratory study provides an initial evidence base for student-centered, school-based cyberbullying deterrence programs warranting further effectiveness evaluation. Practical implications highlight integrating educational stakeholders while giving students agency in cultivating online ethics.