The Use of Digital Literacy to Address Cyberbullying Among Pupils: A Case Study of Pupils at Three (3) Selected Schools

Abstract

The issue that this study addressed was the digital misappropriation. In addition, this problem continues to persist and has been largely responsible for pupils not being able to perform well in their studies and having psychosocial issues. Cyber bullying has been done through text messaging, picture/photos or video clip through phone calls, email in chat rooms, instant messaging and website. To address this problem, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Digital media literacy in addressing cyber bullying and its objectives included; investigating digital media literacy information provision to pupils, investigating pupils' understanding of their responsibilities when using digital media and finding out how pupils responded to unethical internet usage. To gather data, the study used a mixed method design where questionnaires and an interview guide were used on 100 pupils and 3 teachers who were selected on simple random and purposive sampling respectively. The study found that pupils received information on how to safeguard their log in credentials, how to avoid cyberbullying, how to use the internet for general and academic purposes. Other findings were that pupils understood their responsibilities in terms of respecting the opinions of others and report any ongoing cyberbullying. Further findings are that the pupils responded to unethical internet usage in ways such as reporting to relevant authorities, ignoring and participating. This research however concludes that digital media literacy goes a long way in terms of addressing cyberbullying as it educates the pupils by sensitizing them about what is acceptable and not acceptable online. Lastly the research makes the following recommendations; new area of research can be done in what restrictions can social media owners put in place to reduce cyberbullying and Schools should also create online accounts for all learners meant specifically for school work.