Mitigating Digital Bullying in Primary Education: A Holistic Character-Based Framework for Ethical Society 5.0

Elsinora Mahananingtyas (State University of Malang, Indonesia)
Samuel Patra Ritiauw (Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia)
Nathalia Yohanna Johannes (Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia)
Leonid Ritiauw (Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia)
Nulice Alerbitu (PSDKU Southwest Maluku, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia)
Juwanti Juwanti (State University of Malang, Indonesia)

Proceedings Series of Educational Studies
2026: International Conference of Research Innovation and Technology on Elementary Education (ICRITE

The rapid penetration of digital technologies into primary education has catalyzed an alarming surge in cyberbullying and aggressive behaviors among young learners. Addressing this pressing social challenge requires proactive institutional frameworks beyond conventional disciplinary measures. This study explores the efficacy of character education as a holistic preventive strategy against bullying in primary schools within the context of Society 5.0. Utilizing a qualitative systematic review methodology, the research synthesizes recent empirical data to evaluate the impact of value-based moral intervention on students' socio-emotional development. The findings indicate that integrating empathy, social responsibility, digital ethics, and mutual respect across intracurricular and school climate dimensions significantly suppresses bullying tendencies while cultivating resilient, ethical digital citizens.