As digital technologies increasingly influence everyday life, awareness of sociopathological phenomena online, which can negatively affect individuals, especially vulnerable groups like pupils with visual impairment, becomes crucial. Cyberbullying, fraud, and stalking are among the risks that could confront them in the digital realm. These risks necessitate specific strategies for prevention and intervention to ensure the safety and protection of visually impaired individuals online. Materials and Methods. The study utilized a questionnaire as the primary method of data collection, featuring items formatted as both open and closed questions, which were distributed to pupils with visual impairments, with prior consent of legal guardians. The sample comprised pupils from special and inclusive schools across Western Slovakia, emphasizing the geographic and specific needs of the target group. Results. The results indicated that mobile phones, followed by computers, and tablets, are the most commonly used devices among pupils with visual. Cyberbullying was recognized by the majority of pupils with visual impairment, but only 7.7% had direct experiences of cyberbullying, suggesting a superficial understanding of the issue. The findings highlight the high online engagement of pupils with visual impairment and their basic awareness of potential risks like online bullying, fraud, and data protection. Discussion. This study sheds light on the experiences of pupils with visual impairment with cy- berbullying and other sociopathological phenomena online. While pupils with visual impairment show a basic level of awareness and are well-informed by parents and teachers, the depth and breadth of their knowledge vary, indicating the need for more targeted informational programs tailored to their specific needs. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of continuous improvement in educational and preventive measures to ensure pupils with visual impairments are well-prepared to navigate and utilize digital technologies safely. Conclusion. Pupils with visual impairments are active internet users who seek educational materi- als, communicate with friends, and use digital media for entertainment. Despite their awareness of cyberbullying, many lack a comprehensive understanding of its various forms, highlighting the need for deeper educational focus on what constitutes cyberbul- lying and how to counteract it effectively. The study calls for further research to under- stand these phenomena better and to enhance the preventive and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of pupils with visual impairments.

Comenius University Faculty of education Bratislava Slovakia

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