Social Media and Bullying: Wise Education in the Digital World for Students

Abstract

The development of social media among teenagers has had a positive impact on expanding interaction. Access to social media is very high even from school age in Malaysia. This increased access is followed by a higher risk of misuse and opens opportunities for digital bullying (cyberbullying). Cyberbullying directly affects psychological, emotional, and social functioning in interpersonal relationships, thus necessitating awareness campaigns to foster understanding and the wise use of social media. This activity aims to provide education and awareness to teenage students about the forms of cyberbullying, its impacts, and to shape wise attitudes in the use of social media for students at Sanggar Bimbingan Muhammadiyah Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The activity was carried out using a participatory educational-preventive outreach method, through interactive lectures, case simulations, and the creation of digital campaign media. The results showed changes in students’ understanding of the forms, impacts, and responses to cyberbullying. It increased student awareness of respecting digital privacy. This activity was not only informative but also transformative in building empathy and responsible digital behavior. It confirmed that direct approaches to students in alternative education communities are effective in fostering a healthy digital culture.