Awareness and Attitude Towards Cyberbullying Laws Among Youths in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State
Abstract
This study examined the awareness and attitudes toward cyberbullying laws among youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study employed descriptive survey which was cross-sectional in nature. Out of the 187 youths that were sampled, 128 were retrieved using the Taro Yamane’s formula. The findings indicated that youths generally possess moderate awareness of cyberbullying and legislation, at times their attitudes toward cyberbullying behaviors are influenced by peer pressure, parental neglect, technological changes, and political influences. The study showed negative effects of cyberbullying which results to loss of productive time, emotional distress, decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and increased risk of depression. This study therefore draws its conclusion by saying that cyberbullying remains one of the societal issues which have drawn many youths backward because they do not aware of the consequences behind this obnoxious deviant attitude and legal implications. And a lot of youths have always lured themselves unlawfully into the act of cyberbullying by sending fake messages, threats, and pornographic images which can be detrimental to their wellbeing. The study recommended that government as well as non- governmental organizations ought to initiate campaigns that are intended to create awareness among the youth regarding the cybercrime laws and the measures taken against them. Schools and communities need to implement programs involving digital literacy, cyber safety, and cyber ethics that can help improve the behavior of the youths. Schools, technology companies, and law enforcement agencies must join hands in providing safety on the internet for the prevention of cyberbullying. Key Words: Awareness, Attitudes, Cyberbullying Laws, Youths.
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