Digital Harassment And Cyberstalking In The Saudi Community: A Socio-Legal Analysis Of Risk Factors, Reporting Barriers, And Preventive Strategies

Abstract

Digital harassment and cyberstalking have grown significantly in Saudi Arabia with the intensive digital transformation by the Vision 2030 plan, where internet penetration currently stands at over 98, transforming the way in which people interact, communicate, and feel insecure online. Research has shown that the prevalence of cyberbullying in adolescents and university students varies between about 20-54 percent, and females disproportionately report being victims of cyberbullying, up to 41.6 percent in their lifetime. The most important risk factors are the previous experiences of traditional bullying, which largely increases vulnerability (OR = 4.76), and the low socioeconomic status, excessive and uncontrolled internet use, or gendered social expectations, which may justify or be silent about harassment. Reporting, although the issue is large, is low because cultural shame, family disgrace, and lack of faith in the response of the institution do not encourage the victims to reach out to the formal support. The combination of social norms, cultural pressures, and laws exacerbates the psychological impact of digital harassment that causes anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and a decrease in academic/occupational performance. Prevention measures are slowly putting more focus on education in digital literacy, proactive mediation of parents and enhancement of the consistency of the enforcement of the Saudi Anti-Cybercrime Law. Culture-specific, culturally competent interventions are thus necessary to minimize harm and enhance reporting and create safer and more inclusive digital spaces throughout the Saudi society.