Prevalence of cyberbullying among Jordanian university students

Abstract

Introduction. Little scientific attention has been dedicated to the problem of cyberbullying in the university environment compared to similar studies conducted on adolescents. This research is crucial because it sheds light on the scope and nature of cyberbullying, which can then be used to inform the design of efficient intervention and prevention strategies, policies, and educational programmes aimed at improving students' lives and creating a welcoming, supportive, and constructive learning environment for all. Aim. This study attempted to explore the prevalence rates of cyberbullying among Jordanian university students. Method. A modified version of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 248 university students aged between 18 and 30. Results. The study findings revealed that approximately one-third (31%) of the students who met the questionnaire criteria experienced different types of cyberbullying behavior. The results indicated that all forms of cyberbullying were more prevalent among younger students (64.4%), who spent more hours on the Internet. The study's findings also showed that most of the victims (48.1%) tended to save the evidence and tell nobody about the problem. The study confirms the existence of cyberbullying within institutions of higher learning in Jordan. Practical significance. The study sheds light on the scope and intricacy of cyberbullying in the setting of higher education, which has been largely unexplored until now. The study highlights the critical need for improved anti-cyberbullying strategies, policies, and educational programs by revealing that a sizeable percentage of university students, especially younger and more internet-active ones, experience various forms of cyberbullying and tend to conceal such experiences. These results provide critical impetus for creating safe and welcoming campus communities where students may learn, and for promoting healthy social norms among college students.