Online Harassment of Female University Students in Balochistan: A Growing Social Concern

Online harassment of female students is a global concern, causing stress, anxiety, and damaging confidence, which adversely affects their academic performance. This study examines the prevalence, forms, and impacts of online harassment on female university students in Balochistan—a conservative region where women already face various cultural barriers to education. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 350 students across six universities selected using stratified sampling. Analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation). The findings reveal that 95% of female students experienced some form of harassment, from classmates, teachers, university administrators and staff, as well as strangers and friends outside the university. WhatsApp, Facebook, and SMS/Text Messages emerged as the most common platforms. Importantly, results indicated a strong positive correlation between online harassment and increased stress, anxiety, and poor academic performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends conducting awareness workshops and seminars on digital literacy and safe internet use, establishing fair and confidential reporting mechanisms, and providing psychological support within institutions.