ASKfm : an example of how anonymous online services targets young users : is our legal framework adequate to address this menace?

Abstract

Despite growing concern among educators and public officials, our understanding of the need for specific legislation on cyberbullying and cyber harassment in Malta remains limited. By making use of a qualitative approach, this study explores the essential elements of cyberbullying, the current laws applicable to such crimes as well as the necessity for a specific legislation to address it. This study explores factors within the Maltese legal system deemed to be of concern, especially in relation to the application of conventional laws to crimes committed or facilitated by the internet - such as cyberbullying. By combining the resulting devastating consequences pertaining to cyberbullying, along with society’s increasing concern on the topic, this study argues that current preventative measures are not adequate enough to counteract cyberbullying. It goes on to discuss how same preventative measures require a legislative instrument to act as a reinforcement to a legislative framework, especially in the unfortunate event that prevention fails, and a crime is committed.