An Explainable Genetic Programming Approach to Safely Predict Cyberbullying Occurrence in Ireland

Cyberbullying is a growing problem in Ireland, with reported rates of occurrence growing every year for both primary and secondary school students. We have collected survey data from primary school children across the country and asked them their beliefs about internet safety, their opinion of their own knowledge of the internet, as well as their actions online. This survey data, collected over 9 years, represents by far the largest dataset on cyberbullying ever collected and analysed in Ireland. We use this dataset to build an explainable machine learning classifier called a Fuzzy Pattern Tree. Fuzzy Pattern Tree classifiers achieve close to state-of-the-art results, attaining mean test accuracy of 84.3%, while allowing their internal workings to be examined. Examining the logic of the models ensures both their safe deployment and allows for effective interventions and corrections in behaviour to help children avoid experiencing cyberbullying. Our models show that increased awareness from parents about the apps their children use, as well as their social media activity are important to avoid cyberbullying. The Fuzzy Pattern Tree models also point towards smartphone usage as a major risk factor for cyberbullying.