Introduction

Cyberbullying has become a growing concern in our connected society, where a third of internet users are under 18 (Urra, 2023). This phenomenon represents a digital evolution of traditional bullying, manifesting itself through electronic media and social networks.

It is defined as an intentional aggressive act carried out by electronic means against a victim who finds it difficult to defend themselves (Urra, 2023). Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying pursues the victim in all spaces, eliminating any safe zone, even within the home itself (Education, n.d.).

The statistics reveal a worrying picture: in Europe, more than 80% of children between the ages of 5 and 14 use cell phones, and 12% have experienced some form of digital bullying (Urra, 2023). The highest incidence is observed between the ages of 13 and 15, a critical period in the social and emotional development of adolescents (Urra, 2023).

A distinctive aspect of cyberbullying is its capacity for amplification: a single act can cause greater and more lasting damage than traditional forms of bullying, due to the massive reach of digital platforms (Urra, 2023). The anonymity provided by the internet allows the bully to keep their identity hidden, which can increase the intensity and frequency of the attacks.

The prevention and effective management of cyberbullying requires a comprehensive approach involving the entire educational community, including strategies for digital education, prevention and protection of online privacy (Aznar-Martínez et al., 2024).