Key Influences of Cyberbullying for University Students

It is hard to imagine a world without mobile phones, PDAs, and wireless/Broadband access on PCs. With the prevalence of electronic communication tools, people (including students) are finding it harder to live without them. Not surprisingly, these electronic communication tools provide benefits that enrich students’ scholarly and social experiences. However, evidence also shows that the usage of electronic communication tools can result in negative behaviour such as cyberbullying. This study, building on prior research findings, develops a conceptual model to explore influences other than psychological factors, which lead to individuals displaying cyberbullying behaviour. We collected data from 134 university students, and our analysis indicates that 62% of the representative sample had experienced cyberbullying in the past year, and 40% of our respondents have conducted actions which can be constituted as cyberbullying behaviour in the past year. Our study also suggests that technology usage and social pressure are additional factors that influence a person to conduct cyberbullying related actions. Results from this study can provide directions to concerned parties, to develop strategies and policies to reduce this social problem to a minimum.