The Influence of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Peer Relationships on Cyberbullying among Adolescents: A One-Year Longitudinal Investigation

Background: With the rapid growth of internet usage, adolescent cyberbullying has become a pressing issue. This study examines the longitudinal impact of leisure-time physical activity and peer relationships on cyberbullying over a one-year period, drawing on the Stage-Environment Fit Theory and the Interpersonal Relationship Theory. Methods: A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted over one year, involving 896 middle school students from five schools in Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Guangdong, China, selected to ensure regional diversity. Participants were recruited using stratified random sampling, and data were collected at four-month intervals. Leisure-time physical activity, peer relationships, and cyberbullying behaviors were assessed using validated scales. Data were analyzed using latent growth modeling (LGM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine longitudinal effects and mediation relationships. Results: (1) Leisure-time physical activity, peer relationships, and cyberbullying behaviors remained relatively stable over time. (2) Both leisure-time physical activity and peer relationships significantly reduced future cyberbullying incidents, with physical activity also enhancing subsequent peer relationships. (3) Peer relationships partially mediated the effect of leisure-time physical activity on cyberbullying, indicating that improved peer interactions contributed to a reduction in cyberbullying behaviors. Conclusion: This study found that leisure-time sports activities and peer relationships are important factors affecting cyberbullying, and peer relationships play a partial mediating role in it. The results provide empirical support for understanding the formation mechanism and influencing factors of cyberbullying.