CYBERBULLYING SYNDROME (PHENOMENON): A STUDY OF OWERRI METROPOLIS RESIDENTS

The paper explored the phenomenon of cyberbullying among residents in Owerri Metropolis. This study relied on Albert Bandura’s social learning theory and general aggression model (GAM) by Anderson and Bushman for the theoretical underpinning. The researcher relied on the survey research design with a population of 560,700 from which a sample size of 384 was derived using Wimmer and Dominick online sample size calculator. Multistage sampling technique was employed while questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Results showed that the respondents’ level of awareness of cyberbullying phenomenon is high at a mean of 3.4, as a majority of them have come across cyberbullying on social media. The knowledge level of the respondents about cyberbullying phenomenon is high at an average mean of 3.2. Also, social media troll, harsh comments on posts, sexual harassment, forceful removal from an online group, and cyberstalking were the nature of cyberbullying the respondents are commonly exposed to at mean of 3.4. It was further found that cyberbullying has a negative impact as it can lead to depression, loneliness, isolation and anxiety, emotional trauma and results to suicide at a mean score of 3.4. The paper concluded that, cyberbullying has a monumental dire consequences to the individual victim, family and the society at large. The paper recommended amongst others, the need for the creation of public awareness through conferences, seminars, and workshops on the phenomenon of cyberbullying. Also, the government and relevant authorities, must take proactive measures by enacting extant laws and policies that are well implemented as a drastic measure against cyberbullying.