School Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Tunisian High SchoolAdolescents

Introduction:: School bullying and cyberbullying have emerged as major public health concerns among adolescents, with significant psychological, social, and academic consequences. In the context of increasing digital media use, understanding the prevalence of these phenomena and their associated factors is essential, particularly in underexplored settings such as Tunisia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of school bullying and cyberbullying and to identify individual and environmental characteristics associated with victimization. Methods:: A cross-sectional study was conducted on high school students in the Sfax region in February 2022. A 33-question form assessed sociodemographic data. Bullying was measured using the Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale, and cyberbullying using the Cyber-Harassment Student Survey. Results:: Out of a total of 396 secondary school students recruited in this study, 223 (56.3%) were victims of bullying, 186 (47%) were victims of cyberbullying, and 140 (35.4%) were victims of both types of bullying. The profiles of the victims of bullying and cyberbullying were comparable. The risk factors identified across the three groups in our sample were primarily family and/or school problems. Discussion:: In the present study, the prevalence of school bullying was 55.6%, and social manipulation was the most frequent form of school bullying, followed by verbal victimization and attack on property. The high proportion of victimization by social manipulation is worrying, as it suggests the existence of a social problem that can have considerable effects on the emotional and social development of adolescents. The prevalence of cyberbullying in our study was 46.7%. This prevalence is also said to have increased over the years. The social, demographic, family, and environmental characteristics of teenage victims of school bullying and cyberbullying may differ. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to these situations so that we can provide the necessary help to the teenagers concerned. Conclusion:: The study reveals a high prevalence of school bullying and cyberbullying among Tunisian adolescents, often co-occurring. Individual and environmental factors significantly influence the persistence of bullying, underscoring the need for effective interventions.