Abstract:
Most people view bullying as a childhood challenge which children outgrow with age.
However, bullies grow up and even go to universities where they continue with their
bullying tactics; harassing their fellow students. The development of technology has
allowed bullying to be taken to adulthood through cyber-bullying. Technology has
become a big part of young people’s lives and it plays an increasingly important role
in their day-to-day activities. However, it has also become a platform for young
people to intimidate and harass each other. Cyber-bullying has become a huge
problem for university students, which can cause long term effects to victims. It
involves sending hurtful, threatening or embarrassing messages to one another.
Cyber-bullying causes problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, poor school
attendance and performance for the victims of such an act. Both males and females
take part in cyber-bullying. Avenues for cyber-bullying by students include emails,
blogs, text messages, and social network sites such as Facebook, My Space,
Whatsapp, Instagram and twitter among others. The main aim of this study was to
probe cyber-bullying experiences of both male and female first year students at the
University of Venda. Qualitative research approach was used. Snowball sampling, a
subtype of non-probability sampling was used to select the respondents for the
study. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collecting tool. The data
was analysed using thematic analysis. Confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary
participation and informed consent were among the ethical considerations that were
followed. The study found that cyber-bullying is prevalent at the University of Venda
and it socially, academically, psychologically and physically affects students. More
female students were found to be victims of cyber-bullying when compared to male
students. In view of the magnitude of cyber-bullying among university students; there
is a need for urgent action by the University of Venda management to come up with
