Cyberbullying: Criminalization and Non-Criminal Measures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology, Institute for Research and Development of Humanities (SAMT), Tehran, Iran
2 PhD student in Women's Studies, Qom University of Religions and Denominations, Iran
Abstract
Cyberbullying, characterized by easy access to anonymous foreign SIM cards and the ease of encrypting internet protocol addresses, poses a significant challenge in Iran. The absence of specific criminal legislation addressing cyberbullying and the lack of a comprehensive judicial strategy for criminal response create a legal gap. This article proposes preventive and social measures, along with non-criminal responses, to address cyberbullying and suggests the application of the "opportunity theory" in criminology. The study emphasizes the need for reforming Iran's criminal policy to effectively combat cyberbullying.
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