Computer-based communication and cyberbullying involvement in the sample of Arab teenagers

Abstract

Abstract The use of the internet among teenagers has increased in recent years andnearly 92 % of all teenagers in Israel surf the internet. This study examined thecharacteristics of involvement in cyberbullying among 114 adolescents in the MuslimArab sector, and its relationships with emotional aspects. The students completedquestionnaires regarding cyberbullying and face-to-face bullying, loneliness and anxiety.Results show that more students experience cyberbullying (82 %) than face-to-facebullying (42 %). The students who were cybervictims reported higher levels ofloneliness and anxiety. No gender differences were found. The development of interventionprograms is recommended in order to raise awareness, equip students with theappropriate tools to cope effectively with cyberbullying, and allocate resources toreduce and eventually prevent this phenomenon.14 Halama