Cyberbullying perpetration and victimisation in the Chinese context: A review of recent empirical evidence in Hong Kong

Cyberbullying is a growing concern in Chinese society, particularly in the education sector. Cyberbullying may pose a greater threat to students’ well-being than traditional school bullying due to the lasting effects and broader scope of psychosocial damage that may occur when materials intended to humiliate or shame victims are posted online. A growing body of research has studied the aetiology of cyberbullying behaviours, particularly in the Chinese context. This chapter reviews 19 empirical studies on cyberbullying in Hong Kong, a special administration region of China, published between 2012 and mid-2022, and synthesises recent findings on cyberbullying perpetration and victimisation, including prevalence and nature, psychosocial protective and risk factors, and coping strategies, in the Chinese context. In light of the potentially serious consequences of cyberbullying, the chapter concludes with a review and recommendations of the whole-school intervention approach to tackling cyberbullying behaviours.