Cyberbullying Prevalence and Psychological Effects Among Adolescent Social Media Users in Lagos State

Cyberbullying represents an emerging digital welfare challenge for Nigerian adolescents, combining the reach and anonymity of social media platforms with the psychological vulnerability of teenage development. This study examines the prevalence and psychological effects of cyberbullying among adolescent social media users in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 520 secondary school students aged 12 to 18 years was conducted across public and private schools in Surulere, Alimosho, and Ikorodu Local Government Areas. Cyberbullying victimisation and perpetration were assessed using the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory, and psychological effects were measured through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and a depression screening instrument. Results reveal a 12-month cyberbullying victimisation prevalence of 31 percent, with Instagram and WhatsApp identified as the primary platforms. Logistic regression analysis identifies female gender, private school attendance, and daily social media use exceeding four hours as significant risk factors for victimisation. Victimised adolescents demonstrate significantly elevated scores for emotional problems and peer relationship difficulties compared to non-victims, with 24 percent of victimised respondents meeting screening criteria for possible depression. The study recommends integration of cyberbullying prevention curricula into school ICT programmes and establishment of school-based counselling referral pathways for cyberbullying victims. Keywords: cyberbullying, adolescents, social media, Lagos State, psychological effects.