Knowledge, attitude and psychological impact of cyberbullying among adolescents. A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To identify the awareness, behaviour and psychological impact of cyberbullying among adolescent.

Method: A Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted on secondary school students from grades 9-12^th. The study got approval from the Institutional Research Board. The Inclusion criterion was school students of all nationalities who were willing to participate. Signed informed consent signed was taken. We used a P value of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result: Out of 513 enrolled, 450 completed the survey (response rate 87.7%). Age ranged between 13 to 20 years of them 303 (67.3%) were female. Awareness of cyberbullying was 96.2%. The prevalence of cyberbullying among adolescence was 22.2% (95% CI: 18.89-26.93). 42% of Victims reported cyberbully event leading to stoppage in 78.6% of cases. Most of the victims reported to their parents followed by friends then cyber helpline or Police. Characteristics of perpetrators were males, below-average academic performance and social relations, from same batch, and had emotionally unstable personalities. Association of being a victim does not relate to their Age, gender, grade, or parent's education but relate to their nationality (P < 0.001) and being younger siblings (P < 0.027). Association between event reporting and gender was not significant (P < 0.859). Association between worsening social relationships (teachers and parents) (P < 0.001), feeling neglected (P < 0.001), personality type (agreeableness and emotional instability) (P < 0.016) and being a Cyberbully victim was statistically significant. Association of depression and anxiety with being a cyberbully victim was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and directly proportional to the severity.

Conclusion: High rate of awareness and Low prevalence of cyberbullying was found among adolescence. High risk of psychological problems was reported and a good social relationship (teachers and parents) was an important protective factor from it.