The Phenomenon of Cyberbullying in High School Students: Forms, Causative Factors, and Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a form of digital violence that is increasing along with the intensity of social media use among adolescents, especially high school students. This study aims to describe the forms of cyberbullying that occur in high schools in DKI Jakarta, the factors that influence this behavior, and its impact on students' psychological condition and learning process. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study method in two high schools: one public school and one private school in East Jakarta and South Jakarta. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with students, guidance counselors, homeroom teachers, and student representatives, as well as analysis of documentation and observations of students' digital activities. The results show that the most frequent forms of cyberbullying include flaming, harassment, denigration, outing, and exclusion, which are carried out through platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and anonymous groups. Factors driving cyberbullying include low digital literacy, peer pressure, weak parental control over online activities, and a culture of competition and popularity on social media. The impact is very significant for student victims, including stress, anxiety, decreased motivation to learn, social withdrawal, and repeated absences from school. This study recommends that schools strengthen digital literacy programs, establish secure cyberbullying reporting systems, collaborate with parents, and integrate empathy-based character education and digital ethics into the curriculum. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for schools in Jakarta in developing more comprehensive cyberbullying prevention and response strategies.