Cyberbullying Experiences Among Students with Disabilities: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Cyberbullying represents a specific form of psychological violence that has intensified with the development of digital technology and the widespread use of social media. This study aims to analyze cyberbullying and its impact on students with disabilities in secondary education, considering them as a particularly vulnerable group. The research focuses on the forms in which cyberbullying manifests, the psychological, emotional, and social consequences it produces, as well as the factors contributing to its occurrence within the school context. The study also addresses strategies for preventing cyberbullying, emphasizing the roles of families, teachers, school psychologists, and educational institutions in creating a safe and inclusive school environment. Methodologically, the study is based on a mixed research approach, combining a review of relevant scientific literature with empirical research conducted through a questionnaire. Data were collected from a secondary school in the city of Gjilan, with 50 respondents participating from grades 10 to 12. The research underscores the need for coordinated and interdisciplinary approaches to address this phenomenon, which poses an increasing challenge to the education system and society at large.