Cyber Victimization and Loneliness in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aim: This research was conducted to identify the cyber victimization and loneliness levels, the influencing factors, and the relationship between them in adolescents in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and Method: The cross‐sectional study was conducted between March 1 and March 15, 2021. The sample of the study consists of 351 adolescents who volunteered to participate in the study. All participants had internet access. Participants filled out the Google Docs form used to collect data, including the Descriptive Information Form, Cyber Victimization Scale, and UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results: The experience of cyber victimization in adolescents in Turkey is low and the experience of being lonely is at a moderate level. It was found that there is a significant relationship between adolescents' age group (p≤.05), gender (p≤.001), level of school success (p≤.05) during the pandemic, and cyber victimization. It was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between adolescents' age group (p≤.05), mother's employment status (p≤.001), and levels of school success (p≤.001) during the pandemic, and loneliness. Conclusions: In this study, there is a relationship between cyber victimization and loneliness. Cyber victimization can affect the loneliness of adolescents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an evidence-based action plan should be implemented to protect the mental health of adolescents.