Why teenagers become both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying
A Stellenbosch University study found that more than a third of surveyed teenagers were both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying, as experts warn that retaliation, peer pressure and the need to belong can fuel a cycle of online harm.
A recent South African study reveals that nearly four in ten teenagers have experienced both the roles of victim and perpetrator in cyberbullying, with 37.3% reporting involvement in both during the previous six months. Overall, 63.9% of 659 surveyed pupils were found to be involved in cyberbullying in some capacity, either as victims, perpetrators, or both.
Bhavna Lutchman, an Online Counselling Manager at Childline South Africa, explains that the humiliation and vulnerability experienced by cyberbullying victims may lead some to retaliate and target others in an attempt to regain control or defend themselves.
Interestingly, the study also uncovered that teenagers who directly engaged in cyberbullying scored higher on measures of connectedness, indicating that some may use online aggression as a way to gain social status or navigate complex peer relationships. Registered counsellor Cayley Jorgensen explains that the need for belonging during adolescence can be especially strong, and the anonymity and widespread reach of the online world may make it particularly appealing for some teens to engage in cyberbullying.
The research, conducted by Associate Professor Daniel le Roux and Camryn Twaddle from Stellenbosch University, analyzed questionnaire responses from 659 pupils across four Quintile 5 high schools - schools generally associated with more affluent communities. While involvement decreased as pupils progressed through high school, with only about half of Grade 12 students reporting any involvement, the researchers cautioned that the findings might not apply to lower-quintile schools.
Common behaviors included sharing secrets without permission, insulting others, and sending embarrassing or hurtful messages. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat were the platforms most frequently involved in reported incidents. The study found that female participants reported higher rates of being insulted and having rumors spread about them, while males reported higher rates of threatening others online and sharing inappropriate photos or videos without consent.
Experts emphasize that cyberbullying has evolved from text-based to highly visual and viral forms of harassment, with artificial intelligence tools potentially making it easier to create and spread harmful content. Negative associations between cyberbullying and other aspects of teenagers' lives were also found, with direct victims experiencing lower happiness, and those who engaged in direct cyberbullying reporting lower perseverance and academic performance.
Persistent cyberbullying can contribute to anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or significant disruption to daily functioning. Parents and teachers should look for changes in a teenager's behavior, such as withdrawal, irritability, avoidance of school or friends, and increased preoccupation with their devices.
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