Legal Reform and Digital Citizenship: A Comparative Study of Cyberbullying Laws in Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan

Abstract* Background The purpose of this research is to compare regulations related to cyberbullying in Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan, and to explore digital citizenship as a long-term preventive measure. The phenomenon of cyberbullying is increasing in these three countries, becoming a serious challenge in the context of mental health and the protection of citizens in the digital age. Methods This research employs a methodological approach that combines juridical normative analysis with analytical and comparative research. It analyzes the laws of each country, starting from the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law) in Indonesia, the Network Act in South Korea, and the Japanese Penal Code. Results The results of the study show that South Korea has the most comprehensive regulatory framework, encompassing both penal and non-penal approaches. At the same time, Japan excels in enforcing flexibility and protecting victims, even though it does not yet have a special constitution. On the other hand, Indonesia still faces weaknesses in its legal framework, as there is no explicit definition, and reactive approaches are still emerging. Conclusions Research highlights the importance of adaptive legal reform in dynamic technological environments and recommends integrating digital citizenship into national curricula to prevent cyberbullying. Implementing the nine elements of digital citizenship, according to Ribble, involves being a framework-relevant work in the form of ethical and responsible digital citizens who are aware of the law.