Assessing the Risk Factors of Cyberbullying Among Malaysian Undergraduate Students

Juliana Arifin, Nurul Syazwani Mohd Noor, Puspa Liza Ghazali, Roslida Abdul Razak, Hamizah Muhammad and Suhaili Arifin
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Juliana Arifin: Faculty of Business & Management, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Nurul Syazwani Mohd Noor: Faculty of Business & Management, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Puspa Liza Ghazali: Faculty of Business & Management, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Roslida Abdul Razak: Faculty of Business & Management, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Hamizah Muhammad: Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, University Technology MARA Cawangan Terengganu, Kampus Dungun, 23000 Sura Hujung, Dungun, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Suhaili Arifin: Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, 4442-4447

Abstract: Cyberbullying, the use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or harm individuals, has become a significant concern among young people. The widespread adoption of smartphones, social media, and other digital communication tools has increased the vulnerability of university students to online harassment. Cyberbullying can take various forms, including the dissemination of harmful messages, the spreading of false information, exclusion from online communities, and the sharing of personal or sensitive information without consent. This study examines cyberbullying through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), emphasizing the influence of key risk factors such as personal, sociocultural, psychological, and environmental. Personal factors, such as self-esteem and digital literacy, shape an individual’s susceptibility to online harassment. Sociocultural influences, including peer norms and cultural attitudes toward online interactions, contribute to the perpetuation of cyberbullying. Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and impulsivity, may increase both victimization and perpetration risks. Additionally, environmental factors, such as internet accessibility and institutional policies, play a crucial role in regulating online behaviors. Despite that, cyberbullying is shown to be a global phenomenon, with the prevalence of cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration year by year. This study seeks to assess the prevalence of cyberbullying among Malaysian undergraduates and analyze the interplay of these risk factors. A quantitative research approach will be employed, utilizing a self-administered survey to collect data from a representative sample of students. The analysis will use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS 27.0 software. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by contributing to safer educational environments and promoting responsible online behavior. The findings are expected to inform strategies to mitigate digital harassment and support students’ mental and emotional well-being in Malaysia’s higher education institutions.

Date: 2025
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