Cyberbullying in university students in Peru: Prevalence and patterns.

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a phenomenon that permeates university life and has been understudied in countries like Peru. This study analyzes the prevalence and patterns of cyberbullying among Peruvian university students, using a sample of 1258 participants from three universities. Employing a survey methodology and psychometric analysis of data collected with a version of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project (ECIP-Q) questionnaire, seven underlying factors were identified, reflecting the complex structureof the phenomenon. Key components include verbal abuse, attacks on identity, and cyber manipulation. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of both victims and perpetrators, with a notable proportion of cyberbullys being victimized, as well as significant differences between genders. This study highlights the need for socio-educational measures that promote digital literacy and adaptive coping strategies to minimize the serious personal, social, health, and academic effects that cyberbullying can have on university students.