Bullying in the Era of Society 5.0: The Softest Form of Violence

Abstract

This study aims to examine the phenomenon of bullying in the context of Society 5.0, where violence is no longer limited to physical forms but also manifests subtly through psychological and digital means. The main problem addressed is how soft forms of violence, especially in educational environments, often go unnoticed and unaddressed due to their intangible nature. Using a quantitative research approach, this study employed a descriptive survey method with a sample of 23 teachers and principals selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The findings reveal that subtle bullying behaviors—such as exclusion, digital silence, and emotional manipulation—are prevalent and significantly affect the school climate. These forms of violence are often normalized, making early detection and intervention difficult. The conclusion indicates the urgency for educational institutions to develop anti-bullying policies that address both explicit and implicit forms of violence, and to promote digital ethics and emotional intelligence among educators and students. The study contributes to the discourse on redefining violence in the era of Society 5.0 and provides empirical evidence for proactive strategies in school-based violence prevention.