Cyber-harassment among University students

Abstract

Cyber-harassment had recently evolved from conventional harassment. It originated due to the introduction of various technological facilities, like computers, internet and mobile phones. Such crime is also becoming more prevalent, especially in modern societies where technology is becoming increasingly implemented. Literature review shows that there is no universal definition for cyber-harassment, and the term is often used interchangeable with stalking and bullying. The study aims to investigate cyber-harassment among university students that attends the University of Malta. It aims specifically to study whether cyber-harassment among University of Malta students exits and if so, in what forms. The study involves both quantitative and qualitative methods, leading to triangulation of data that includes a sample of 345 university students. It is found that 1 out of 10 university students were victims of cyber-harassment while attending the University of Malta. Further on, interviews were conducted with various professionals related to the field of cyber-harassment. The research continues by examining the definition of cyber-harassment, the various tools used to launch the attacks, the offenders’ and victims’ characteristics and university students’ perception on cyber-harassment acts. This study also discusses the impact of cyber-harassment and the various consequences experienced by victims, the available mechanisms that offer support to the student victims and an outlet to speak out against this form of criminality, the difficulties encountered by law enforcement to investigate such crime and the extent of awareness of the crime in Malta.