The concept of cyberbullying in children in childhood and their exposure to it in Riyadh city, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The present study aimed to know the concept of cyberbullying among children in a sample of (233) of the age (5-8 years), to find out with whom they talk when harassment occurs during electronic play, to know their feelings, and if there are statistical differences of cyberbullying in gender and age. The research used the descriptive method by using a questionnaire.

The study’s results concluded that (54.5%) of the children suffer from the distraction of their peers while playing;  (48.1%) of children want to continue playing despite the harassment they are exposed to, and embarrassment in front of friends and follow-up sites of ridicule (42.1%). The study found that the bully uses unacceptable descriptions, including (41.6%), insulting (40.8%), embarrassing him in front of others (36.5%), and harassed by 33.9%)).

There were statistically significant differences between the study sample individuals towards cyberbullying in favor of the male children. The study also revealed that (39.9%) of the study sample spoke with their mothers when they are exposed to cyberbullying, while (27.9%) did not talk to anyone when exposed to cyberbullying. The study recommends educating children at an early age about the types of bullying, including cyberbullying, through modern awareness programs.