The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents: Social and Psychological Consequences from a Population Demography Perspective in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Nisreen Yachoub Mohammed ¹ Yasser Abdelazim Samak ^2*

• ¹ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
• ² Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt

This study investigates the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying among adolescents in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Cyberbullying has become an increasingly prominent issue as internet and social media use rise among young people. The research focuses on understanding the relationships between cyberbullying and demographic factors, including age, gender, professional status, marital status, and self-esteem. A sample of 3,361 participants (580 males and 2,777 females) aged 16 to 21 years was examined using three validated scales: the Adolescent Cyberbullying Scale, the Bully/Victim Questionnaire, and the Six-Item State Self-Esteem Scale.The findings reveal that cyberbullying is most prevalent among adolescents aged 18-19, with no significant gender differences. Professional and marital statuses were positively correlated with cyberbullying, suggesting that individuals with higher social visibility may be more vulnerable to online harassment. In contrast, self-esteem exhibited a negative correlation with cyberbullying, highlighting its protective role. However, no statistically significant link was found between self-esteem and victimization.This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying. Parents, schools, and policymakers must collaborate to promote digital literacy, emotional resilience, and supportive environments for adolescents. Future research should delve deeper into the psychological mechanisms behind cyberbullying to design comprehensive preventive strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents in Assiut Governorate, offering practical recommendations to enhance digital literacy and reduce cyberbullying. The study recommends integrating digital literacy programs into school curricula to raise awareness about cyberbullying among adolescents.