THE ROLE OF THE EDUCATIONAL OMBUDSMAN IN COMBATING CYBERBULLYING IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

Introduction. Contemporary cultural dynamics are extremely ambiguous. On the one hand, the process of obtaining information has been simplified, as digital technologies have become an integral part of the educational process, providing unprecedented opportunities for learning from anywhere in the world. On the other hand, the digital universe has given rise to a dangerous phenomenon that also transcends physical borders: cyberbullying. As educational institutions integrate technology into their structures, the rise of cyberbullying has become a pressing issue that permeates the lives of school children and students in higher education institutions of various accreditation levels. Understanding the complexity and danger of cyberbullying in education requires a comprehensive study. An urgent issue is to highlight the role of the educational ombudsman in combating cyberbullying in education. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to highlight the role of the educational ombudsman in reducing the destructive impact of cyberbullying in educational institutions, which will help ensure a safe and supportive online environment for students. Materials and methods. The materials of the study are: 1) regulatory and legal support for the regulation and prevention of bullying in the educational environment; 2) works of domestic and foreign authors conducting their scientific and practical research in the field of protection of human rights to education, in particular, the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying among participants in the educational process. In the course of the study, the following scientific methods were used: theoretical generalization (to characterize the components of bullying and the functions of cyberbullying against participants in the educational process, as well as to identify ways to counteract it); formalization, analysis and synthesis (to indicate the role of the educational ombudsman in countering cyberbullying in the educational sphere); logical generalization of the results (formulation of conclusions). Results. The article discusses the specifics of the phenomenon of cyberbullying as a modern problem that manifests itself in various social spheres, including education. The author emphasizes the need to study the forms and manifestations of cyberbullying, as well as to find ways to overcome it. Cyberbullying is manifested in offensive messages in messengers, as well as in messages on social networks and group chats. It can be carried out through emails, calls, or in the form of photos or videos. It is noted that victims of cyberbullying often keep incidents secret, so parents and teachers may not be aware of them. It is important to understand the profound consequences of the phenomenon of modern cyberbullying, as it significantly harms the mental and emotional well-being of those against whom it is directed. The study examines the role of the educational ombudsman in combating cyberbullying in the educational sphere. Their involvement is crucial in shaping policies to combat cyberbullying, which are implemented by amending laws, creating clear guidelines in educational institutions, and formulating rules of conduct on digital platforms. The article emphasizes the urgent need to create a special, accessible platform or hotline specifically designed to help victims of cyberbullying, which would work around the clock for rapid response and support. Joint projects involving educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, Internet providers, and social media platforms are important to develop a strategy and implement measures to combat cyberbullying.