Assessing the Effectiveness of Preventive Measures Against Cyberbullying: A Case Study of Digitally Active Youths and Adults in Imphal City, Manipur

Abstract

This study evaluates the perceived effectiveness of various cyberbullying prevention strategies among 200 digitally active youths and adults in Imphal. Using a structured survey with a five-point Likert scale, respondents rated a range of interventions including school-based programs, community initiatives, social media campaigns, reporting mechanisms, filtering tools, parental controls, and legal corrective measures. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed two distinct components that together explain 90% of the total variance. Component 1, termed “Awareness and Educational Outreach Measures,” accounts for 68% of the variance and comprises school-based prevention programs (with loadings of 0.791 and 0.652), community-based initiatives (loading 0.719), and social media campaigns (loading 0.628). This component reflects moderate effectiveness in shaping digital citizenship and behavioral norms. Component 2, labeled “Regulatory and Technological Control Measures,” explains 22% of the variance and includes reporting and flagging mechanisms (loading 0.789), filtering and blocking tools (loading 0.726), parental control software (loading 0.581), and legal awareness and corrective measures (loading 0.523). While these strategies offer immediate, tangible interventions, their effectiveness is moderated by concerns regarding enforcement consistency and adaptability to evolving digital challenges. The findings underscore the need for an integrated approach to cyberbullying prevention that combines long-term educational efforts with robust regulatory and technological safeguards to foster a safer online environment.