CYBERBULLYING AMONG YOUTH: THE ROLE OF SNAPCHAT IN THE EXPERIENCES OF GENERATION Z

The paper aims to investigate how parents perceive the presence and impact of cyberbullying on the social network Snapchat in the everyday lives of minors of Generation Z, and how informed they are about potential risks and protective mechanisms. Methodology - A quantitative research method was used through a structured survey questionnaire. The research was conducted on a sample of parents of children under the age of 18 who use social networks, with an emphasis on the Snapchat application. the survey included a sample of 450 respondents. Findings - The results indicate that parents are not sufficiently informed about the specific characteristics and risks of cyberbullying on platforms such as Snapchat, particularly due to its ephemeral nature and perceived privacy among youth. While the majority of parents express significant concern regarding their children's exposure to online violence, they simultaneously acknowledge a lack of active engagement in monitoring or guiding their children's digital behaviour. Many do not use available protection tools or parental control features, and a large portion report feeling inadequately equipped to recognise early signs of cyberbullying. Furthermore, the findings reveal a gap between parental awareness and concrete preventive actions, highlighting the need for more accessible resources, education, and communication strategies to empower parents in the digital environment. Contribution – The paper contributes to understanding the role of parents in preventing and recognising cyberbullying among young people, with a particular emphasis on digital platforms such as Snapchat, which are characterised by ephemeral content and limited monitoring capabilities. The research indicates the need for systematic education of parents, not only about the forms of cyberbullying themselves, but also about the technical possibilities of monitoring, setting limits and open communication with children about online risks. The paper also contributes to identifying gaps in parents' knowledge and encouraging the development of digital literacy programs in family and school contexts.