ABSTRACT

The increasing exposure of children to the digital world has raised global concerns about their safety in cyberspace. In the post-COVID era, children’s dependence on the internet has grown significantly, with estimates indicating that one in three internet users is under the age of 18. While the internet offers educational and social opportunities, it also exposes children to harmful, age-inappropriate content, raising urgent questions around regulation and protection. Ensuring children’s safety online requires a multi-pronged approach involving legal, social, and technological interventions. Among the most pressing concerns is the protection of children’s privacy in an environment marked by anonymity, rapid data transmission, and minimal accountability. The handling of children’s personal information in the virtual world demands special attention and robust safeguards. This chapter focuses specifically on the issue of cyberbullying – one of the most prevalent and damaging threats children face online. It explores the unique vulnerabilities of children in digital spaces and evaluates current measures while proposing stronger frameworks to protect them. The study advocates for comprehensive, child-centric cyber safety strategies integrating cyber-security technologies, legal regulations, and social awareness to secure children’s rights and well-being in the digital age.