Cyber-bullying perpetrator and victimization among adolescents: Prevalence and associated factors in population-based sample of secondary school student in rural community of Thailand

Abstract

Cyber bullying is misbehavior by using electronic communication technologies to bully the others. Nowadays, it has been a serious global problem. However, the study of cyber bullying in Thailand is still limited. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of cyber bullying perpetrator and cyber victimization among secondary school in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was performed during December 2017 to January 2018. Students were completed a standardized questionnaire on their activities and factors related to Cyber bullying perpetrator and cyber victimization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for Cyber bullying perpetrator and cyber victimization. A total of 4928 secondary school students were enrolled into the study. Of those 1080 (21.9%) reported as being cyber victimization, 857 (17.4%) reported as being cyber perpetrator and 655 (13.3%) reported as being dual cyber perpetrator and victimization. Cyber perpetrators and cyber victims were more likely to be males, failed to exam, smoke, alcohol drinking, school absenteeism and school bully. Cyber perpetrators was significantly associated with not living with parents (OR = 1.52), internet addiction (OR = 1.44), online sex seeking (OR = 1.68), traditional victimization (OR = 1.84), traditional perpetrator (OR = 3.63), alcohol drinking (OR = 1.53), school absenteeism (OR = 1.21), mild stress (OR= 1.33), moderate to severe stress (OR = 1.56) and sleeping duration less than 8 hours (OR = 1.27) after controlling for gender and failed to exam. Cyber perpetrators was significantly associated with not living with parents (OR = 1.40), internet addiction (OR = 1.38), online sex seeking (OR = 1.68), traditional victimization (OR = 2.80), traditional perpetrator (OR = 1.68), alcohol drinking (OR = 1.58), school absenteeism (OR = 1.19), mild stress (OR = 1.23), moderate to severe stress (OR = 1.65), smoking (OR = 1.27) and suicidal idea (OR = 1.57) after controlling for gender and failed to exam. Cyber perpetrator and cyber victimization is a new public health priority of adolescent in Thailand. This study found that the high prevalence of both cyber perpetrator and victimization among secondary school students in rural community of Thailand. It is found to associate with various risky behaviors and traditional school bullying. Given the greater risk and unique challenges experienced by youth in rural community, prevention and intervention programs may need to be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Further research is needed to understand the specific factors and mechanisms involved in bullying victimization among immigrant youth. Future studies are needed to establish causation and to further investigate the relative importance of correlates of the traditional bullying and cyber bullying.