Cyberbullying Among School Students: A Case Study of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Banke, Nepal

Abstract

This study aimed to study the prevalence, contributing factors, effects, coping strategies, and perceived preventive measures of cyberbullying among school students in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Banke District, Nepal. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was applied for this study. A total of 50 students (25 males and 25 females) in the 8th to 12th standard of Mangal Prasad secondary school was selected through the technique of non-proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were gathered by through structured anonymous self-administered questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 82% of the respondents used social networking sites and 70% owned a mobile phone that had internet connectivity. All the respondents used Facebook. Overall, 16% of students admitted to being a cyberbully and 28% said they had been cyberbullied. Most victims (71.4%) and perpetrators (75%) were male students. Harassment (71.4%), denigration (50%), and flaming (42.9%) were the most prevalent types of victimization. The tools of cyberbullying were through Messenger, mobile phones and Facebook. Pranks/fun and dislike of the victim's attitude were the principal motives for the perpetrations (62.5% and 50% respectively). Fatigue (71.4%), anxiety (64.3%) and learning problems (42.9%) were common complaints reported by victims. The most common coping strategy was ignoring the incident (50%) and talking to friends (42.9%). The most recommended preventive measures were changing the profile identity (72%) and blocking the aggressor (64%). It is concluded that cyberbullying is a real issue among the secondary school students in Nepalgunj. Awareness programs, enhancing digital literacy, and reporting and support systems must be implemented through the partnership of schools, parents, and policymakers