New Trends and Approaches on Cyberviolence

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has introduced numerous advantages, such as accessibility and speed in accessing information, the ease of distance communication, or the benefit of continuous learning (Smyrnaios, 2018), but it has also raised other challenges, such as sources’ credibility and security, introducing new risks such as online computer insecurity (Lareki et al., 2017) or re-elaborated forms of victimization and aggression, as observed during the still ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among children and young people who are adept at ICT, an expanded field of possibilities for the occurrence of violence, for example, through social networks, unprotected websites and even online gaming forums has been identified, completely upending our understanding of victimization and/or perpetration of violence and crime (Ashikkali et al., 2020). Phenomena such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking (Sani et al., 2019), as well as new forms of child abuse and exploitation, such as online grooming (Sani et al., 2021), are of great concern and require strong mobilization to prevent violence and crime. Vulnerability to online violence also extends to the adult population, often unaware of the risks of the internet, sometimes devaluing the seriousness of certain acts once online (OFCOM, 2008). Considering the growing multiplicity of cybervictimization or cyberaggression phenomena, it is necessary to strengthen the mechanisms for detecting, signaling, and combating online violence, as well as raising awareness of prevention and intervention with potential victims, aggressors, and the justice system itself. Articles that contribute to improving our understanding of the etiology, prevalence, impacts, and political and psychosocial intervention are of particular importance for this Special Issue. Articles should focus on cyberviolence, and the problem can be addressed in its complex and multiple perspectives, aiming to contribute to the development of risk prevention means and the implementation of intervention programs aimed at victims, offenders, and the community. Articles must be based on rigorous studies that may include literature reviews, meta-analyses, quantitative and/or qualitative research, prevalence studies, comparative studies, and clinical or interventional evidence in different scientific areas of studies.

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Sani
Prof. Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis
Dr. Vanessa Azevedo
Guest Editors

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• cyberattack
• cyberbullying
• cybercrime
• cyberstalking
• cyberviolence
• information and communications technology (ICT)
• internet
• online grooming
• online harassment
• online hate speech
• online safety or security
• online sexual exploitation and sexual abuse
• online victimization
• phishing
• online prevention
• online protection