Exploring the Impact of Cyberbullying on Female University Students in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

With the rise of technology, the internet has become one of the most widely used communication channels among university students worldwide. Alongside increased internet use, bullying has expanded into private spaces and is no longer limited to school grounds. The present study aimed to explore the perceptions, prevalence, experiences, and contributing factors of cyberbullying among female university students. A qualitative research design was employed, and the data comprised N = 20 female university students (aged 22–35 years) from Punjab University, Lahore, who were hospitalized and selected through a purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide based on 20 semi-structured, open-ended questions addressing individual perceptions and the effects of cyberbullying experiences. Findings revealed that the participants were frequently harassed, threatened, and blackmailed by bullies through online messages, phone calls, and Facebook. The majority of students (99%) did not disclose incidents of cyberbullying to their families due to fear of being perceived as immoral and the prevailing societal belief that females are the custodians of family honor. As a result, many young women chose to suffer in silence, which not only discourages them from using cyberspace freely but also disrupts their academic performance and social lives. The study also concluded that most female students were unaware of any laws or helplines addressing cyberbullying. Furthermore, they lacked trust in law enforcement agencies and were largely unfamiliar with existing legal protections against cyber harassment. The study recommends that universities should organize awareness campaigns and establish dedicated bodies at the national level to prevent cyberstalking and harassment of young women.