Evaluation of bullying and cyber victimization in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, with the change in people’s lifestyles and the advent of technology, the method of bullying has changed. In the 21st century, bullies use new methods to harass their former peers. This type of bullying is bullying behaviours through electronic and digital media. In addition, its main feature is the lack of dependence on face-to-face communication between the victim and the bully. According to statistics, this problem has affected more than 32% of teens worldwide since 2007.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study examining cyberbullying and victimization rates in adolescents aged 12 to 18. In this study, 254 children of working parents and clients referred to Shafa Educational and Medical Center of Guilan University of Medical Sciences were evaluated by a CBVEQ questionnaire (during 2021).

Results: The scores from the factors of victimization and cyberbullying in this study were obtained. They showed that the average score of adolescents was 22.79 in the context of cyber victimization. Moreover, the score was 20.27 in the context of cyberbullying. Besides, Boys were more likely than girls to be victims of cyberbullying. The rate of cyberbullying in adolescents aged 15 to 18 was higher than the younger ages. Furthermore, the lower the parents’ educational level, the rate of cyberbullying and victimization increased in adolescents.

Conclusion: The findings of this study and a recent study about the extent of cyberbullying and victimization among teenagers suggest that preventive strategies and interventions of parents and schools are needed.