Factors influencing the spread of cyberbullying among adolescents in private schools: Kuwait

Abstract

Cyberbullying has risen at an extraordinary speed in the educational sector in recent years. There is a shortage of published research in various social-cultural settings in developing countries, with the majority of the literature coming from developed and/or western countries. In this context, this study aims to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and investigate factors associated with cyberbullying in Kuwaiti private high schools, such as age, parental role, school role, educational level, and educational performance factors. The study was carried out on a sample of 700 students aged 14 to 18 and the results indicate that cyberbullying is common in Kuwaiti private schools and is age-related. Several students, however, indicated that cyberbullying had no impact on academic success. Furthermore, the study found that cyberbullying has a detrimental effect on cyberbullying victims' psychological well-being. Furthermore, positively engaged and considerate parents and schools contribute to the reduction of cyberbullying. According to the study's results, school-based counselling centres are required to deal with cyberbullying situations. Anti-bullying activities should be developed and implemented in these facilities. They should also raise students' awareness of prevention and coping strategies.