The Prevalence of Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization among Undergraduate English Major Students

Abstract

Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant issue in Thailand, with several studies reporting high rates of cyberbullying victimization and perpetration among university students. However, research investigating the prevalence of cyberbullying within specific academic departments or disciplines is limited. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the prevalence of cyberbullying among undergraduate English major students, while also identifying the factors contributing to cyberbullying. Using a mixed-method approach, a survey research design was adopted, with 51 English major students from a private university randomly selected as participants. Quantitative data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that the majority of participants had not engaged in cyberbullying, either as perpetrators or victims. However, 9.80% of participants admitted to bullying others, while 7.84% reported being bullied on social media. Understanding and perception of cyberbullying varied among participants, with some unaware that they had been involved in certain types of cyberbullying. The most common forms of cyberbullying reported were posting rude comments, spreading false information online, and making fun of others’ English accents. Gender differences were also found to play a significant role in cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, with females more likely to be bullied online and LGBTQ individuals being more susceptible to being targeted. The findings contribute to the understanding of cyberbullying among English major students and emphasize the importance of educating students about cyberbullying and its various forms and promoting healthy online behavior to mitigate the harmful effects of cyberbullying.