Cyberbullying among Youths in a Nigerian Public University

Cyberbullying among Youths

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of cyberbullying among youths in Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.                                                                                                                                  Methodology: An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, sampling a total of 400 undergraduate students. A pretested, semi-structured, interview-administered questionnaire was adapted from the CDC cyberbullying questionnaire and other literatures. All data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multilevel data analysis was conducted with a clear progression from univariate, bivariate to multivariate analysis, with p-value set at P<0.05.

Result: The prevalence of cyber-perpetrators, cyber-victims and cyber-bystanders in the last three months was 37 (9.6%), 111 (28.9%) and 145 (37.8%) respectively.  The three factors that were significant predictors associated with cyberbullying perpetrators among the youths include;  the use of internet on their phones (OR:1.93, 95%CL:( 0.21-0.93); p=0.420), expectation from my social-cycle that I bully via the internet or mobile phone cyberbullying (OR:4.07, 95%CL:(1.70-9.73);p=0.002) and intension to bully someone via the internet or mobile phone (in the next three months) (OR: 25.24, 95%CL(2.02-314.85);p=0.17).                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion: The prevalence of cyberbullying perpetration is low among the youths in Ekiti State. The predictors of cyberbullying perpetration were; the use of internet on their phones, expectation from my social-cycle that I bully via the internet or mobile phone and intention to bully someone via the internet or mobile phone (in the next three months). A well-tailored health promotion intervention about cyberbullying among the youth in Ekiti is needed.