Prevalence and related risks of cyberbullying and its effects on adolescent

Abstract

Background Cyberbullying is becoming common in inflicting harm on others, especially among adolescents. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cyberbullying, determine the risk factors, and assess the association between cyberbullying and the psychological status of adolescents facing this problem in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 355 students, aged between 12–18 years, through a validated online questionnaire to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of cyberbullying and assess psychological effects based on cyberbullying questionnaire and Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) questions. Results The participants in this study numbered 355; 68% of participants were females compared to 32% were males. Approximately 20% of the participants spend more than 12 h daily on the Internet, and the estimated overall prevalence of cyberbullying was 42.8%, with the male prevalence slightly higher than females. In addition, 26.3% of the participants were significantly affected in their academic Performance due to cyberbullying. Approximately 20% of all participants considered leaving their schools, 19.7% considered ceasing their Internet use, and 21.1% considered harming themselves due to the consequences of cyberbullying. There are essential links between the frequency of harassment, the effect on academic Performance, and being a cyber victim. Conclusions Cyberbullying showed a high prevalence among adolescents in the Jazan region with significant associated psychological effects. There is an urgency for collaboration between the authorities and the community to protect adolescents from this harmful occurrence.

Mechanism Behind Cyberbullying: Summary and Reflections

“…The term "cyberbullying" encompasses the deliberate utilization of electronic platforms such as social media, messaging systems, and phone calls to inflict harm on individuals [3]. Online violence encompasses a wide range of manifestations, such as the transmission of hostile, impolite, or derogatory comments, the dissemination of frightening, malicious, and possibly deceptive content to others, the disclosure of sensitive or confidential information (often referred to as exposure), and the act of barring someone from online spaces [4]. This article investigates the underlying factors that contribute to individuals engaging in the transmission of angry, impolite, or offensive communications, specifically focusing on the manifestation of online aggression.…”

Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Self-Esteem and Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among University Students in Kuwait – A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It reached more than 60% in some studies (Kowalski, 2015;Chun, 2020). In Saudia Arabia, a study among 355 students revealed that 42.8% of them were cyberbullied (Gohal, 2023).…”

Cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation among higher secondary school adolescents in an urban city of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

“…With the surge of information and data-sharing platforms, greater digital socialisation and the popularisation of social media, cyberbullying has become more common than ever. It often occurs when there is little adult oversight 7. A nationwide study conducted in the United States of America (USA) reported that at least 37.0% of adolescents aged 12–17 years encountered some form of cyberbullying, including harsh remarks and hurtful comments, rumours and physical threats 8.…”

“…In a similar vein, a research by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) found that 19.7% of college students were engaged in cyberbullying at least once in their lifetime, while 54.4% of them reported experiencing it at least once 9. Unlike traditional bullying, it is more difficult to identify victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying and to mitigate at homes and schools 7. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of cyberbullying has resulted in adverse impacts on adolescents’ physical and mental health and led to poor academic performances globally 10.…”

“…To mitigate cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation, the government of Nepal has endorsed the reactive electronic transaction act 2006/2007 21. However, because of the unique characteristics of cyberbullying and associated fear and stigma, the perpetrators and victims under-report and hide their identities 7 22. Thus, there is interest in exploring how to abate cyberbullying among the most vulnerable adolescents in schools in Nepal.…”