Cyberbullying on Social Media among Children with Special Needs: Prevalence, Patterns, and Risk Factors

Abstract

Cyberbullying on social media is a growing risk for children with special needs. However, evidence regarding prevalence, patterns, and risk factors is still scarce. This study employed a quantitative cross, sectional survey to explore the occurrence of cyber victimization and cyber perpetration among students with special needs (N = 275) in inclusive and special schools. A 40, item questionnaire assessed social media exposure, victimization, perpetration, and psychosocial/ contextual factors. Over the past three months, 64% reported at least one experience of cyber victimization, and 29. 5% reported at least one behavior of cyber perpetration, with 20.7% being bully victims. The most frequent victimization patterns were the use of rude messages, name calling in group chats, and exclusion from online groups. Higher social media exposure and loneliness were linked to increased victimization, while higher self, esteem and parental guidance had protective effects. The results emphasize the provision of digital citizenship education that is inclusive of people with disabilities, the availability of accessible reporting routes, and the delivery of targeted psychosocial support as a means of both preventing harm and facilitating safe participation online among the diverse special needs communities.