Towards a conceptual model for developing a mobile application that supports the cyber-arm role of librarians in mitigating mobile bullying

Mobile bullying, a subtype of cyberbullying perpetrated through mobile phones, is on the rise. In curbing this menace, involving professionals such as librarians to serve as cyber-arms in fighting mobile bullying is unexplored. Using librarians to perform cyber-arm roles facilitated by a mobile application requires a comprehensive model to guide the development of such an application. However, there is no such model that can inform the development of a mobile application to support librarians act as cyber-arms. The study, therefore, aims to propose a conceptual model that will inform the development of a mobile application that can support librarians' cyber-arm role. An extensive search of the literature was conducted using a variety of databases such as PsychArticles, PsycINFO. A search in Google Scholar was also conducted using selected keywords to gather relevant literature on various theories that can be used in developing the model. A holistic conceptual model that follows a configurational approach was developed. The model followed this approach due to the complexity of interplay among the factors and the difficulty in measuring their impacts in isolation. The model extends present theoretical knowledge on how the harmonization among elements within the librarian, students, and the cyber-arm role, will lead to an increased awareness of mobile bullying, reduced use of mobile phones for mobile bullying, and good use of social media. The model can also be used to understand how librarians' IT skills and awareness of mobile bullying can enhance their cyber-arm role. The model also has implications for researchers, cyber and mobile bullying activists, government, and policymakers.