Cyberbullying and its determinants among middle school students in post-Soviet countries: Cross-National insights from Kazakhstan and Russia

• In Event: Highlighted Session: Digital Dynamics in Education: Cross-Continental Insights and Innovations

Proposal

Cyberbullying remains a pressing issue in schools (Drakatos et al., 2023), yet its dynamics in post-Soviet developing countries are understudied (Huang, 2020). This research explores its prevalence and predictors among 8th graders in Kazakhstan and Russia. Using data from TIMSS, 2019, which includes a nationally representative sample of 8th-grade students from 4431 participants in Kazakhstan and 2079 in Russia, the research employs Multilevel (mixed-effect) negative binomial regression analysis. This approach considers both individual and school-level predictors of cyberbullying.

Results show that students’ socio-economic backgrounds, well-being, and school experiences shape their risk of cyberbullying. Tiredness, hunger, and students’ negative perceptions of school climate increased vulnerability in both countries. Kazakhstan exhibited unique patterns, with cyberbullying more frequent in large cities and resource-rich schools.
These findings call for context-sensitive policies that address digital safety, student well-being, and school climate to effectively combat cyberbullying.

Author

• Saltanat Kaliyeva, The University Of Pittsburgh School of Education