Cyber Bullying and its Impact on the Mental Health of Junior Students in the Buea Municipality, Southwest Region of Cameroon

This study critically examined Cyber bullying and its impact on the mental health of junior students in the Buea Municipality, Southwest Region of Cameroon. Guided by three specific objectives, the research aimed to: (1) assess the effects of harassment on junior students’ mental health, (2) investigate the influence of impersonation (masquerading) on their psychological well-being, and (3) explore how outing and doxing experiences contribute to mental health challenges among this demographic. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 students drawn from Form 1 to Form 5 across three secondary schools in Buea. The data were analyzed using SPSS, with results presented in the form of descriptive statistics frequencies, percentages, tables, and charts and inferential analyses using logistic regression to determine predictive power. The findings revealed that harassment had a statistically significant negative impact on students’ mental health (χ² = 39.218; df = 17; p = 0.000) with a predictive power of 28.6% (Nagelkerke R² = 0.286). Similarly, impersonation (masquerading) significantly affected students’ mental health (χ² = 45.067; df = 19; p = 0.020) with a predictive power of 30.8% (Nagelkerke R² = 0.308). Lastly, outing and doxing also demonstrated a significant negative effect (χ² = 42.513; df = 18; p = 0.010), accounting for 31.2% of the variance in mental health outcomes (Nagelkerke R² = 0.312). Based on these findings, the study concluded that cyberbullying in all its dimensions harassment, impersonation, outing, and doxing poses a serious threat to the mental health of junior students in Buea. The study recommends that government authorities implement comprehensive anti-cyberbullying programs within schools to raise awareness about the psychological dangers of online harassment. Schools should establish clear reporting mechanisms and counseling services, promote digital literacy through workshops on online safety and responsible behavior, and engage parents in monitoring and supporting students’ online experiences. Furthermore, educators should create safe spaces for open dialogue about privacy, consent, and digital ethics, while developing protocols to respond effectively to doxing incidents and support affected learners.