Cyberbullying, problematic use of the Internet and social media: the dark side of the technological era / <i>Ciberacoso, uso problemático de Internet y las redes sociales: el lado oscuro de la era tecnológica</i>

In recent decades, we have witnessed the staggering evolution of digitalization, which has become a fundamental part of children’s lives. Relational, Information and Communication Technologies (RICT) bring many benefits, but they have also brought countless threats that are creating problems for the development, well-being and mental health of children. It is, therefore, essential for schools, families and society as a whole to take measures rooted in digital and emotional education that will curb the potential harmful effects of technologies. Against this background, the research presented in this article conducts a review of studies that have analysed the consequences of cyberbullying, other risks/dangers of the digital world and protective factors. In addition, it addresses the topics of prevention and intervention in relation to cyberbullying and other issues surrounding the problematic use of the Internet and social media, tackled within schools, families, the clinical setting, society and technology companies, emphasizing future challenges in each of these areas of prevention, intervention and research.