Bullying victimization and perpetration among Tunisian youth: Gaming and impulsivity as mediators

Abstract Introduction Recognized as a significant public health issue by the World Health Organization, youth bullying poses serious consequences for the physical and mental well-being. While existing literature highlights a connection between cyberbullying victimization and traditional bullying perpetration, less is known about the mediating factors in this link. This study aims to clarify this bidirectional relationship among adolescents by identifying the mediating factors, mainly gaming and impulsivity. Methods We performed a cross sectional survey in April 2023 among schooled adolescents in all secondary schools in the region of Mahdia, Tunisia. The validated Arabic versions of the Adolescent Peer Relations Bully Target questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the internet gaming disorder-20 test were used. Cyberbullying victimization was assesed using a yes or no question. Results Among 1594 students, the mean age was 18 years ±1.2 and females constituted 72.1%. The majority (71.3%) reported bullying perpetration. The most prevalent bullying perpetration type was verbal bullying (67.1%). Cyberbullying victimization was revealed by 28.2% of adolescents, mostly males (28.2% vs 22.9%, p < 0.02). Gaming addiction was more common among boys (5.3% vs 4%, p = 0.2). Impulsive behaviors were found in 31% of youth, mostly females (45% vs 31%, p < 0.001). Impulsivity and gaming addiction mediated significantly the path from cyberbullying victimization to bullying perpetration (%mediation, respectively: 26.2% and 18.7%). Similar results were found for the path from bullying perpetration to cyberbullying victimization. According to gender, the mediation effect was higher among boys for both mediators. Conclusions Understanding the pivotal role of impulsivity and gaming addiction as mediators in link between bullying victimization and perpetration helps create better strategies to prevent bullying and make a safer environment for teens. Key messages • Impulsivity and gaming are mediators in the link between bullying victimization and perpetration among youth. • According to gender, a major mediation by gaming was found in the path connecting cyberbullying victimisation to the bullying perpetration among males rather than females.