Prevalence of Cyberbullying and Prevention Strategies among Public Secondary School Students

Abd ElKodoos, Rehab Fouad; Abdel Tawab, Alshymaa Mohamed; Ghanem, Naglaa Mohammed Amein

doi:10.21608/asnj.2023.221001.1628

Prevalence of Cyberbullying and Prevention Strategies among Public Secondary School Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt

² Lecturer of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt

³ Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University, Egypt

10.21608/asnj.2023.221001.1628

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying has become an alarming societal issue that cannot be ignored due to its severe physical and psychological consequences on adolescents. Aim: To determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and prevention strategies among public secondary school students. Design: A cross-sectional design was utilized in this study. Sample and Setting: 504 students were recruited from ten public secondary schools affiliated to five different educational zones in Cairo Governorate, Egypt, using a randomized cluster sampling method. Tools: Two tools were used including Socio-demographic Data Sheet, and Cyberbullying and Prevention Strategies Assessment Questionnaire. Results: More than half of the studied sample reported experiencing cyberbullying at a moderate level. As well, the prevalence of cybervictimization was higher than the prevalence of cyber perpetration. Regarding gender differences, male students significantly have higher scores of cybervictimization and cyber perpetration than females. Cyber exclusion was reported as the most common form of cyber perpetration, while impersonation was reported as the most common form of cybervictimization. Moreover, the study findings revealed a very low percent score of the applied prevention strategies for cyberbullying as perceived by the students. Conclusion: The study concluded that, cyberbullying was prevalent among secondary school students, which could become more problematic with increased time, spend on the internet. Moreover, gender was considered an important factor in cyberbullying. Limited role of secondary schools in preventing cyberbullying was documented. Recommendation: anti-cyberbullying prevention programs and interventions strategies should be implemented.

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