OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access, peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/190103
Protecting children from cyberbullying: A South African perspective
Mafuku Tholaine Matadi 1, Kwanda Talente Mngomezulu 2
1,2 University of Zululand, South Africa.
1 Corresponding authour: matadit@unizulu.ac.za
Volume 18, Issue 01, Pg. 49-60, 2026.
Abstract: The use of technology has rapidly increased and has become an integral part of everyday life in all corners of the world. In the same vein, digital literacy has become a centre of much importance for children, young people, and adults. The benefits that the internet provides specifically for children cannot be ignored. Children enjoy game applications, cross-cultural interactions, educational, and social support. However, these benefits cannot hide the fact that there are several risks associated with technology. The internet has resulted in a new criminal phenomenon, such as cyberbullying, defamation, hate speech, racist connotations, and many other illegal activities. Cyberbullying is prevalent on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other gamification platforms.
This paper focuses on cyberbullying, which is an online abuse that also affects children. It is submitted that in South Africa, bullying of young children has drastically increased. They receive upsetting messages and posts of unflattering messages. Since these activities can be seen as aspects of childhood, it is important to note their negative effect, especially in violating fundamental constitutional rights. Cyberbullying can be described as the use of technologies (internet, mobile phones, or online games) by an individual or a group of people to deliberately or repeatedly spite someone else. This cyberbullying phenomenon harms children as it leads to depression, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and suicidal tendencies, which is a form of abuse. Looking at these devastating consequences, there is a need for a legal think tank to come up with an effective solution to deal with cyberbullying in South Africa.
This paper argues that preventing children from cyberbullying does not only lie in the implementation of specific legislation but also in the application of anti-cyberbullying guidelines for the conditions in which children find themselves.
The research will be desktop-based, considering both primary and secondary sources of law. In embarking on this study, the researchers intend to contribute to curbing child online abuse. The findings will be beneficial to academics, policy makers, legislators, and professionals in the realm of cyberbullying.
Amongst others, the study recommends the infusion of anti-bullying education into the basic education curriculum. The launch of public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing cyberbullying. There is also a need to provide mental health support to the victims to deal with victimisation, pain, and suffering. Additionally, there is a need for collaboration between policymakers and the generators of social media platforms to work hand in glove to handle, report, and block cyber content before dissemination.
Keywords: cyberbullying anxiety, suicide, children, social media
Full-text paper download here
About the authour:
Associate Professor Mafuku Tholaine Matadi is a senior Lecturer and the Head of the Law Department at the University of Zululand, South Africa. Her research interest is focusing on constitutional law, feminism, children’s rights and fundamental rights.