Digital Bullying and Coping Strategies: An Analysis of Vocational School Students

The aim of this study was to examine vocational school students’ experiences with digital bullying, the frequency of exposure to such bullying, and the coping strategies they employ. The research follows a qualitative design, with data collected through a survey. The findings indicate that 35% of vocational school students have experienced digital bullying. The most common forms of bullying include insults (45%), defamation (30%), and social exclusion (25%). To cope with digital bullying, students most frequently use strategies such as blocking, reporting, and seeking support from friends. Additionally, the study reveals that students’ coping strategies are influenced by their level of digital citizenship education and awareness of online safety. These findings highlight the necessity for educational institutions to implement digital citizenship and online safety programs to better equip students in dealing with digital bullying.