Cybervictimization experiences, reactions and coping strategies among Filipino adolescent patients ages 12 to 18 years old at the East Avenue Medical Center

ABSTRACT

Background@#Adolescents are at risk for cybervictimization given their easy access to the internet and their increased engagement in online activities. Screening adolescents for cybervictimization experiences is essential to address possible adverse effects and to implement timely interventions to prevent untoward outcomes. @*Objective@#To describe the cybervictimization experiences, reactions and coping mechanisms of Filipino adolescent patients ages 12 to 18 years old at the East Avenue Medical Center @*Methodology@#This is a prospective cross-sectional study that utilized a 4-part questionnaire survey. @*Data Analysis@#Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the results of the study. @*Results@#A total of 72 adolescents were included in the study. Most of the participants were middle adolescents (55.5%), enrolled in junior high school (56%), with a slight female predominance (52.7%). Almost all of the adolescents (98.6%) used the internet and majority (84.72%) had their own mobile phones. Facebook (94.4%), Tiktok (70.8%), Messenger and Instagram (63.8%) were the most commonly used platforms. Cybervictimization experiences within the past 8 months were reported by 31.9%. More males (52.7%) were cyberbullied and cybervictimization was experienced mostly in the seventh grade (30.4%). The most common forms of cybervictimization experienced were online exclusion and impersonation and were related to visual (mean=8.17, SD=1.94) and written (mean=8.56, SD=2.19) cybervictimization. Most adolescent cybervictims either felt scared (391%) or angry (34.8%). Thirty percent (30.4%) claimed not to have been affected while 26% felt embarrassed. Many of the participants either ignored the cyberbullying incidents (60.9%) or cried (47.8%). More than half of the participants disclosed their cybervictimization experiences to others, mostly to their classmates or friends (43.5%). Mobile phone use (p value= 0.021) and a lower grade onset of bullying (p value=0.020) were noted to be statistically significant associated risk factors for cybervictimization. Most adolescents either blocked the bully (52.2%) or asked support from friends (43.5%).The more time the adolescents spent on social media using their mobile phones, the higher the risk of experiencing cybervictimization. Those who experienced cybervictimization earlier may have a higher probability of re-experiencing cybervictimization and further traumatization. @*Conclusion@#Different forms of cyberbullying exist and victims may have different reactions and coping strategies towards the experience. Promotion of cybersafety among adolescents and timely psychosocial support and management should be provided to prevent unwanted outcomes.