The Role of Digital Platforms in Exacerbating Bullying Among Students: A Case Study of Cyberbullying Through Social Media in Universities in Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study examined the role of digital platforms in exacerbating cyberbullying among students at selected universities in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was motivated by the increasing use of social media and digital communication platforms in students’ academic, social, and personal lives, and by the ways these platforms may be misused to threaten, humiliate, exclude, impersonate, and expose students without consent. A qualitative research approach and case study design were adopted. The study involved 25 purposively selected participants, comprising 15 students who had experienced or witnessed cyberbullying and 10 key staff informants involved in student support, counselling, residence life, discipline, wellness, student governance, and ICT-related services. Data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti. Social Learning Theory and Afrocentric Theory guided the study. Social Learning Theory helped explain how harmful online behaviour may be learned, copied and reinforced through peer reactions, while Afrocentric Theory emphasised dignity, respect, belonging and communal responsibility. The findings revealed that cyberbullying commonly occurred through WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter and Telegram. It took the form of insults, rumours, fake accounts, cyberstalking, public humiliation, screenshot-sharing, online threats, exclusion and the unauthorised sharing of private content. The findings further showed that anonymity, rapid circulation, large audiences and the permanence of digital content intensified the harm experienced by victims. Cyberbullying affected students psychologically, socially and academically, leading to anxiety, emotional distress, reduced confidence, social withdrawal and poor academic engagement. Formal reporting remained limited due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment and lack of confidence in institutional responses. The study concludes that cyberbullying is a serious student welfare, digital safety and academic concern requiring coordinated institutional action. Keywo