Is Cyber-Bullying a New form of Social Cruelty in Zimbabwean Schools?

Abstract

Technology has the potential to extend the boundaries of collective intelligence. However, there are also some negatives associated with technology. This research explored the extent and forms of cyber-bullying in Zimbabwean schools. It was a mixed method survey of a purposive sample of 200 high school teenage students. The research shows that 76% of the respondents reported some form of cyber bullying. These took various forms such as sending pornographic materials; threatening messages, teasing, name calling, use of vulgar language among others. The victims experience powerfully negative effects especially on their social well-being. The research argues that cyber bullying is a new form of social cruelty that is threatening the social fabric in schools. The research recommends further researches on ways of minimizing the social effects of cyber bullying in schools. Additional research on a larger population, from a variety of age groups and cross-culturally would add another layer of understanding about cyber bullying among teens.