Investigation of Cyberbullying Incidence and Coping Strategies Among Secondary School Students in Akwa Ibom State

Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant psychological harm vector for Nigerian secondary school students as internet access and social media use expand, and documenting its incidence and response patterns in South South Nigeria informs protective programming. This study investigated the incidence of cyberbullying and coping strategies among Senior Secondary School students in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 SS1 to SS3 students using stratified random sampling. A validated Cyberbullying Victimisation and Perpetration Scale was administered alongside a coping responses questionnaire. Results showed a cyberbullying victimisation prevalence of 41.7 percent over the preceding school term, with online harassment (52.4 percent of incidents) and identity-based mockery (35.7 percent) as the most common forms. Perpetration was acknowledged by 22.3 percent. Passive avoidance was the most common coping strategy (58.0 percent), while only 19.3 percent reported incidents to an adult. Female students reported significantly higher victimisation rates (48.6 percent) than males (33.4 percent). Emotional distress and academic performance deterioration were the most commonly reported consequences. Knowledge of reporting mechanisms was low at 17.3 percent. Recommendations include school-based digital citizenship education, trained school counsellors for cyberbullying response, anonymous reporting channels, and parent digital safety awareness programmes across Akwa Ibom secondary schools.

Keywords: cyberbullying, secondary school students, Akwa Ibom State, online harassment, digital safety