Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Self-Esteem and Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among University Students in Kuwait – A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Cyberbullying is a modern phenomenon with public health implications due to the associated serious mental disorders, emotional distress, substance use, and suicidal behaviour. Young people are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and its complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and its relationship with self-esteem and behavioural problems among Kuwait University Students.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven randomly selected colleges of Kuwait University using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included three sections: Cyberbullying questions, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

RESULTS: A total of 1252 students were included with a mean age of 20.58 years. Most students were females (n=1049, 84.2%), single (n=1078, 86.4%) and Kuwaiti (89.3%). Of the cohort, 194 students (15.8%) have been cyberbullied in their lifetime and 4% (n=49) were cyberbullied in the last 30 days. Female students (OR =2.677, P<0.001) and students with divorced (OR=2.35, P<0.006) or separated (OR=3.730, P<0.006) parents had a higher risk of being affected by cyberbullying. In addition, participants who were dissatisfied with their financial situation were more likely to be affected by cyberbullying (OR=1.096, P=0.008). Emotional problems (P<0.001), conduct problems (P<0.001), hyperactivity problems (P=0.029), peer problems (P<0.001), externalizing problems (P<0.001) and internalizing problems (P<0.001) were higher among students who were exposed to cyberbullying in their lifetime compared to other students.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of cyberbullying among college students in Kuwait. Since emotional problems and self-esteem are significantly related to cyberbullying, university-wide public health promotion campaigns are encouraged to address the negative consequences of cyberbullying on students’ psychological health.