2026-05-01
Awareness Training Against Digital Bullying for High School Students in Bishkek by KTMU Faculty of Communication
In the framework of social responsibility projects by the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) Faculty of Communication, students of the L. V. Tolstunov Secondary School No. 12 were educated on methods to combat cyberbullying. During the seminar held on April 29, third-year journalism students Asylai Toroeva and Altynai Dosubekova provided awareness training to high school students regarding online harassment, digital security, social media risks, and support mechanisms.
A Project Extending from Research to the Classroom
The seminar was conducted as a field application of the research titled "Digital Transformation and Cyberbullying in Education: An Evaluation of Children in Kyrgyzstan," led by KTMU faculty members Assist. Prof. Dr. Niyazi Aihan, Assist. Prof. Dr. Erdogan Akman, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Topchegul Narmamatova. The research, which gained international recognition by being featured in the "Case Studies & Research" section of the UNESCO Health and Education Resource Centre, concluded that despite the widespread use of the internet at an early age, students lack the necessary skills to recognize and properly respond to online threats. During the event organized based on these scientific findings, it was emphasized that the speed of children's access to digital devices has outpaced the development of their media literacy skills, leading to new areas of risk and security concerns.
Research Findings Highlight the Necessity of Education
Citing findings from the study involving students aged 13–16, Assist. Prof. Dr. Niyazi Aihan emphasized that cybersecurity education has become mandatory for this specific age group in Kyrgyzstan. Assist. Prof. Dr. Niyazi Aihan stated, “Our research clearly demonstrates that gender, age, and socio-economic conditions are decisive factors in the spread of cyberbullying. While male students exhibit more aggressive behavior in online games and competitive platforms, female students are more frequently exposed to harassment on social media networks. The fact that young people in the 13–16 age range lack sufficient digital literacy despite being active users of digital platforms makes them more vulnerable.”
Aihan further noted that students from low-income families and those living in rural areas are at higher risk, adding that limited parental supervision and a lack of knowledge regarding digital security exacerbate the situation. Emphasizing that the research results indicate that awareness-raising and educational activities for this age group are no longer a preference but a necessity, Assist. Prof. Dr. Niyazi Aihan stated that they have officially initiated these awareness seminars.
Effects of Cyberbullying and Methods of Struggle
During the seminar prepared under the Social Sensitivity Projects, journalism students Asylai Toroeva and Altynai Dosubekova illustrated how aggression manifests in digital environments and the potential consequences it entails. The presentations emphasized that cyberbullying cannot be dismissed as a mere "joke"; rather, it is a serious issue that directly affects individuals' psychological health. Attention was drawn to the fact that posts made through anonymous accounts carry psychological harms that leave real and lasting impacts.
The event also addressed the roles of the aggressor, the victim, and the witness, noting that the silence of witnesses in particular strengthens bullying behavior. The speakers pointed out the importance of providing timely support to victims. Shaped around the message “You Are Not Alone,” the seminar stressed that seeking support from parents, teachers, or experts is not a "complaint," but a vital part of the solution.
Introduction of the “Stop - Block - Report” Model
As part of the seminar, 7th-grade students were also informed about the steps to take in the face of an online attack. Stating that the fight against cyber aggression begins with three fundamental steps—refraining from arguing with the harasser, blocking the account, and reporting the situation by taking screenshots as evidence—the speakers emphasized that cyberbullying should not be viewed as a "joke" or a "game," but as a serious social problem with significant psychological repercussions.
Guides Prepared for Parents and Teachers
In addition to the students, the research also focused on adults, leading to the preparation of specialized information materials for teachers and parents. These guides include topics such as the early warning signs of bullying, how to approach children effectively, and how to apply to official support channels.
Expansion Planned Nationwide
The seminars, currently carried out within the scope of Social Sensitivity Projects, are aimed at reaching students across Kyrgyzstan in the future, particularly those in rural areas and remote settlements.
