Cyberbullying And The Extent To WhichIt Is Considered A Criminal Offense In Omani Law.

The research aims to examine Cyberbullying within Omani law, focusing on the key issue of whether acts of Cyberbullying are considered criminal offenses under current Omani penal laws, or if new legislation is needed to address this issue. The study uses a descriptive approach to define Cyberbullying and its characteristics, and an analytical approach to determine whether the existing Omani Penal Code and cybercrime law cover all forms of Cyberbullying . The research findings indicate that Cyberbullying encompasses multiple types, and any definition should consider its nature, means of commission, and purpose. The current laws do not encompass all forms of Cyberbullying due to its specific nature, which includes subjective elements such as special intent, repeated behavior, power disparity between the perpetrator and the victim, and commission through electronic means. As a result, it is recommended that the Omani legislature explicitly include Cyberbullying as a distinct crime with its own components and elements, rather than relying solely on existing punitive provisions in penal laws and cybercrime legislation. Additionally, non-punitive methods, such as educational programs and technical solutions, should be employed as essential measures for preventing and addressing Cyberbullying.