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

The use of the internet among teenagers has increased in recent years and nearly 92 % of all teenagers in Israel surf the internet. This study examined the characteristics of involvement in cyberbullying among 114 adolescents in the Muslim Arab sector, and its relationships with emotional aspects. The students completed questionnaires regarding cyberbullying and face-to-face bullying, loneliness and anxiety. Results show that more students experience cyberbullying (82 %) than face-to-face bullying (42 %). The students who were cybervictims reported higher levels of loneliness and anxiety. No gender differences were found. The development of intervention programs is recommended in order to raise awareness, equip students with the appropriate tools to cope effectively with cyberbullying, and allocate resources to reduce and eventually prevent this phenomenon.