The prevalence and correlates of cyberbullying among South African adolescents

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying is recognised as a widespread and persistent challenge for adolescents in the digital age, particularly as smartphone adoption and social media usage increases. The integration of digital communication into everyday life has created new opportunities for connection but has also introduced new risks, such as cyberbullying.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the frequency of cyberbullying behaviour among adolescents in South Africa, and how these behaviours differ across gender, age and social media platforms. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether cyberbullying involvement predicted variance in well-being and academic performance.
Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed to analyse survey data collected from 659 learners across four urban high schools in South Africa. The survey included self-report measures of cyberbullying behaviours, social media usage, well-being, academic performance and demographics.
Results: 63.9% of learners reported cyberbullying involvement, of which 19.9% are cybervictims, 6.7% are cyberbullies and 37.3% are both roles. Female (65.1%) and male (62.6%) participants reported similar rates. The most common behaviours were sharing secrets, sending hurtful messages and spreading rumours. Cyberbullying involvement was significantly associated with the use of TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat and with lower levels of perseverance, connectedness and happiness. It also predicted variance in academic performance beyond well-being and demographics.
Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of negative online engagement, psychological well-being and academic performance, and how interventions should consider the effect cyberbullying can have on emotional and educational outcomes.
Contribution: This study contributes current insights into the prevalence and correlates of cyberbullying among South African adolescents.