Legal and socio-psychological issues of bullying and cyberbullying

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to determine the legal and socio-psychological characteristics of bullying and cyberbullying, knowledge of which will help protect children (pupils and students) in Ukraine. A research of the legislation of some Europeans countries has revealed that bullying, as well as another type – cyberbullying, is an urgent problem in each country. In our opinion, their negative feature is that the regulations do not provide for separate sanctions for criminal offences against the life and health of a child. Each country has its own causes (socio-psychological, socio-economic and ideological) and conditions (legal, social, economic) of crime against children. Public policy in many countries is aimed at combating various forms of violence against children. That is why a system of legislative protection is being developed and implemented at different levels. The article offers measures aimed at counteracting and preventing bullying and cyberbullying (creating healthy psychological environment, training sessions and lectures on bullying, promoting of mutual respect, support, kindness and empathy; systematic activities with psychologist, etc.) according to the results of the survey among pupils and students.