Relationship between Cyberbullying, Victimization and Depression among High School Students in Turkiye

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, cyberbullying, and cybervictimization among high school students in the Diyarbakir region during the post-pandemic period of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,985 high school students (1,057 females and 928 males), aged 13 to 18, from the Diyarbakir province participated in this cross-sectional survey. Participants completed the Bullying and Cyberbullying Scale for Adolescents (BCS-A) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Sociodemographic characteristics and computer and internet usage behaviours were evaluated as factors influencing the scale scores. Results: Cyberbullying was found to be more prevalent among male students with higher access to digital devices (computers, phones, tablets) and longer internet use, particularly those whose mothers had higher education levels. Conversely, elevated BDI scores were observed among female students in the tenth grade who attended public schools, had more than four siblings, and had limited access to technological resources. Statistically significant positive correlations were identified between the BDI scores and both the bullying perpetration and victimization scores. Conclusion: This study highlights the growing impact of digital aggression on adolescent mental health in Turkiye and underscores the importance of targeted forensic-psychiatric screening and early preventive strategies in high school populations.