Cyber Bullying among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University: Occurrence and Impact on Their Self-Image

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the impact of cyber bullying on undergraduates’ self-image. The study also investigated whether respondents’ views will vary based on their age, gender, purpose of using the internet, duration of internet usage and average time spent online. Design/Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design of correlational type using simple random sampling procedure to select a sample of 419 respondents. A selfdeveloped three sectioned questionnaire entitled “Cyber bullying and Self-image Questionnaire (CBSIQ)” was employed to gather data. Data collected were analysed using percentages, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and Univariate Analysis of Variance. Findings: The findings showed that majority of the undergraduates (82.1%) experienced low level of cyber bullying and 66.8% of the respondents reported negative self-image. The findings also showed significant positive relationship between the experience of cyber bullying and negative self-image of respondents (r=.161, p <0.01). Respondents’ views regarding the influence of cyber bullying on self-image did not differ on the basis of their age, gender, purpose of using the internet, length of years in using the internet, and the amount of time spent online. Implication: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need for school counsellors to introduce self-image development skills training in the orientation programme organised for the undergraduates regardless of their age, gender, purpose of internet use and length of years in using the internet.