Antibullying programs and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): A systematic review

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) serve as valuable tools for initiatives aimed at enhancing the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Recently, several programs focused on preventing bullying and cyberbullying have begun utilizing the advantages of virtual environments. This paper aims to conduct a systematic review of ICT-mediated interventions for anti-bullying, examining the key characteristics of major programs and assessing their effectiveness. The review, which analyzed data from three databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, and PubMed), ultimately evaluated 32 full-text papers. Despite the significant advancement of digital tools and their potential benefits for young students, the findings indicate that ICT tools are often underutilized in the prevention and intervention efforts against bullying and cyberbullying, with only 13 programs identified in the search. However, recent years have seen progress in this area, with the implementation of various ICTs, including serious games, virtual reality, online platforms, and internet activities. This review underscores the pressing need for scientific studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these virtual interventions. Such research is crucial for guiding practitioners, policymakers, and administrators in making informed decisions about which interventions are effective and the reasons behind their success or failure.