Cyberbullying as a social problem among teenagers in Kazakhstan

In today's digital world, cyberbullying and online aggression are serious problems that negatively affect young people and society as a whole. Online aggression, in particular cyberbullying, has a serious impact on the emotional state and social adaptation of young people. The purpose of the study is to determine the scale, forms and consequences of cyberbullying among schoolchildren in Kazakhstan, as well as to propose effective strategies for preventing and countering Internet aggression. The study used a theoretical analysis of scientific sources, a survey of schoolchildren (N = 164) and statistical data processing. Information was collected using an online survey involving students in grades 7-11. The results showed that 72 % of the respondents reported personal experiences with cyberbullying. The most common forms were insults (38 %), spreading false information (27%), threats and blackmail (20 %), as well as harassment (15 %). The main psychological consequences include emotional stress (48 %), decreased activity (33 %), and anxiety (19 %). The anonymity of the aggressors and the round-the-clock exposure increase the harm inflicted on the victims, which underlines the need for systematic work with the youth audience in the field of digital security. The value of this study lies in the fact that it complements the existing literature with new data and conclusions, which can serve as a basis for further research and practical applications in the fields of psychology, education and law. The results of the work are of practical importance, as they can be used to create educational programs and awareness-raising initiatives, as well as to develop recommendations on changes in legislation aimed at protecting users on the Internet.