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Cyberbullying and Its Contributing Factors Among Iranian Adolescents Publisher



Shariatpanahi G1 ; Tahouri K2 ; Asadabadi M3 ; Moienafshar A4 ; Nazari M5 ; Sayarifard A6, 7
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. School of Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Aboozar Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Pediatrics, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Center for Academic and Health Policy (CAHP), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Community Based Participatory Research Center, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction Published:2021


Abstract

Background: Exposure to new communication systems via the Internet and mobile phone can be detrimental if cyberbullying is the case. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying and detect its contributing factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in four girls’ and boys’ high schools in District 17, Tehran, Iran. About 288 adolescents were selected using the simple random method. The research instrument was a researcher-made question-naire encompassing three sections (namely, the experience of being cyberbullied, the experience of attempts at cyberbullying, and close friends’ exposure to cyberbullying). Data were analyzed with SPSS software. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the data (P < 0.05). Results: Eighty-five of the respondents (29.82%) had experienced being cyberbullied, 89 persons (30.90%) had made attempts at cyberbullying, and 117 individuals (40.62%) had friends being cyberbullied. Female gender and secondary high school education significantly increased the likelihood of attempts at cyberbullying and being cyberbullied (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a signif-icant relationship between an increase in time to use virtual tools per week and aging with attempts at cyberbullying (P < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between being cyberbullied and attempts at cyberbullying (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the study findings, the authorities are recommended to implement appropriate educational programs to increase adolescents’ awareness of cyberbullying and culturalization to exploit new communication tools at the school and com-munity levels © 2021,International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction.All Rights Reserved