Here is the research we’ve found on cyberbullying in Zambia, with the most recent first. Please email us if you have any articles to add with the details ordered in the same format as the others.

 


 

Authors: Nyirongo, J., Batubenge, B., Kamwasha, P., Phiri, E., Musonda, K., and Nkhata, S.

Year: 2021

Title: The Use of Digital Literacy to Address Cyberbullying Among Pupils: A Case Study of Pupils at Three (3) Selected Schools

Journal: Research in Development Information Systems

URL: (Now defunct)

Abstract: The issue that this study addressed was the digital misappropriation. In addition, this problem continues to persist and has been largely responsible for pupils not being able to perform well in their studies and having psychosocial issues. Cyber bullying has been done through text messaging, picture/photos or video clip through phone calls, email in chat rooms, instant messaging and website. To address this problem, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Digital media literacy in addressing cyber bullying and its objectives included; investigating digital media literacy information provision to pupils, investigating pupils’ understanding of their responsibilities when using digital media and finding out how pupils responded to unethical internet usage. To gather data, the study used a mixed method design where questionnaires and an interview guide were used on 100 pupils and 3 teachers who were selected on simple random and purposive sampling respectively. The study found that pupils received information on how to safeguard their log in credentials, how to avoid cyberbullying, how to use the internet for general and academic purposes. Other findings were that pupils understood their responsibilities in terms of respecting the opinions of others and report any ongoing cyberbullying. Further findings are that the pupils responded to unethical internet usage in ways such as reporting to relevant authorities, ignoring and participating. This research however concludes that digital media literacy goes a long way in terms of addressing cyberbullying as it educates the pupils by sensitizing them about what is acceptable and not acceptable online. Lastly the research makes the following recommendations; new area of research can be done in what restrictions can social media owners put in place to reduce cyberbullying and Schools should also create online accounts for all learners meant specifically for school work.

 


 

Authors: Zulu, Gezile, and Tembo, Simon

Year: 2020

Title: An Assessment of Child Online Risks and Effects in Zambia: A Remedy for Child Online Protection

Journal: International Journal of Information Science

URL: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon-Tembo/publication/341575116_An_Assessment_of_Child_Online_Risks_and_Effects_in_Zambia_A_Remedy_for_Child_Online_Protection/links/5ec7cc6892851c11a87e4716/An-Assessment-of-Child-Online-Risks-and-Effects-in-Zambia-A-Remedy-for-Child-Online-Protection.pdf

Abstract: Due to the increase in internet usage by children over the years, countries in Africa have embarked on strengthening their policies through the integration of child online protection measures aimed at protecting children from internet risks and threats. Evidence suggested in studies concerning internet addiction disorder shows that overuse of the Internet can genuinely restrain children especially teenagers’ experiences in life, their performance academically, overall happiness, and physiological well-being. Further, literature also suggests a relationship between internet use in adolescence and other variables such as depression, social isolation, distorted sense of reality, and access to uncensored material (pornography), eating disorders and online harassment among many others. Nevertheless, much remains uncertain as to whether such assertions can be generalized to Zambia although it is no secret internet usage among our children is only exhibiting an increasing trend owing to the continued access to portable internet platforms such as smart mobile phones. Findings from the research survey indicate that the majority 96% of the 105 respondents say that hate speech and social media addiction are the most prominent internet risks children are likely to encounter, 92% say it is cyberbullying, 89% say it is sexting and posting of nude photos and 89% say it is fake news among other risks. Further findings indicate that the majority 57% say that depression is the prominent effect of internet risks among children, 53% say it is low self-esteem, 52% say it is deteriorating social behavior and rudeness and 49% say it is loss of concentration on education. Very few comprehensive research have been done on the status of child online protection in Zambia from the perspectives of ISPs, MNOs and the regulating institution of telecommunications ZICTA. The study in addressing the literature gap is crucial for policy makers in the Ministry of Transport and Communication as it will act as a catalyst for refinement and concession of policies to bring into inclusion the risks that children are exposed to on the internet thereby play a role in protecting the future leaders of tomorrow.