Cyberbullying in Higher and Tertiary Education institutions in Zimbabwe: Forms, Extent, Effects and Contributing factors

Abstract

This research was an investigative enquiry into the forms, extent, effects and contributing factors of cyberbullying in Higher and Tertiary Education institutions in Zimbabwe. The study used one such institution as case study. A survey was conducted on a sample of 380 undergraduate students (n=380) out of a total of 3800 student population (N=3800) in the institution. Interviews were also conducted on 12 volunteers in order to obtain additional information from the participants, especially on contributing factors. The Findings indicate that cyberbullying is very common in these institutions coming in the form of phone calls, emails, text messages, video clips and online chats. The extent of Cyberbullying is very high, with 75% of respondents admitting to have received a threatening message in campus, while 83% confirmed to have seen offensive messages while socializing with friends online. Key effects were identified as affecting students in their relationships on and off campus and mental health problems. Main contributing factors to cyberbullying were identified as gender issues, cultural/ ethnic differences, general dislike, and some taking it as an online game (fun).