Prevalence and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the proportion and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 1548 students (aged 14–17 years) from two high schools in a city center. The data were collected via a questionnaire, the Peer Bullying Scale Adolescent Form, and the Cyber Victim and Bullying Scale between May and June 2022. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The rate of peer bullying and cyberbullying behaviors was 15.3 % and 15.2 %, respectively. Boys were more prone to peer bullying and cyberbullying than girls. Both boys and girls with poor/moderate academic achievement, ninth and tenth graders, and those with poor/moderate friendships were more likely to be peer bullies and cyberbullies. The current study revealed that peer bullying and cyberbullying rates were similar among adolescents. Gender, academic year, academic achievement, and friendship relationships were found to be predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying. The results of this study could help to enhance an understanding of the severity of peer bullying and cyberbullying. Health professionals could implement programs to develop adolescents’ resilience, communication, social, assertiveness, and coping skills. They could collaborate with educators and parents to encourage appropriate behavior in adolescents.