The Impact of Digital Literacy on Cybercrime Awareness, Victimization, and Prevention Measures: A Study of Cyberbullying in Saudi Arabia

Shatha Ismaeel

https://doi.org/10.62271/pjc.171.77.96

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships among digital literacy, social media utilization, cybercrime victimization, prevention measures, and cyberbullying in Saudi Arabia. The primary aim is to explore how digital literacy influences preventive behaviours and mitigates risks associated with cybercrime and cyberbullying while examining the role of social media engagement. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing an online survey distributed to 500 active social media users. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess relationships and predictive validity. The findings reveal that digital literacy significantly enhances preventive measures, such as privacy controls and online recognition strategies, while moderately reducing cybercrime victimization. Social media utilization demonstrated a dual impact, increasing exposure to cyberbullying while providing opportunities for implementing preventive behaviours. A strong association was observed between cybercrime victimization and cyberbullying, highlighting the cyclical nature of online harm. Prevention measures were found to mitigate cyberbullying, emphasizing their protective role effectively. The study concludes that promoting digital literacy and awareness of preventive strategies is essential to fostering safer online environments. Policy implications include targeted educational programs and platform-level safety enhancements to address cyber risks.

Keywords:  Digital literacy, cybercrime victimization, social media, cyberbullying, prevention measures, Saudi Arabia