Social Ecological Model Analysis of Individual, Family, Peer, and Digital Environment Factors Associated with Cyberbullying Behavior among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Globally, the incidence of cyberbullying remains considerably high. In Indonesia, approximately 45% of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying. The impact of cyberbullying can trigger mental health problems among adolescents who have experienced it. Objective: To develop a comprehensive understanding of cyberbullying behavior among adolescents through a social ecological model analysis integrating individual, family, peer, and digital environment factors. Methods: This study employed a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling was conducted using the proportional random sampling technique, with a sample size of 284 respondents calculated using the Slovin formula. Data collection was carried out from February to March 2026. Results: The findings showed a significant association between individual, family, peer, and digital environment factors and cyberbullying behavior (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, peer and digital environment factors remained significantly associated with cyberbullying behavior. The peer factor had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.644 (95% CI: 1.583–4.415; p < 0.000), while the digital environment factor had an adjusted odds ratio of 3.102 (95% CI: 1.881–5.117; p < 0.000). Based on the adjusted odds ratio values, the digital environment factor showed the strongest association with cyberbullying behavior in the final model. Conclusions: The social ecological approach is highly relevant for explaining cyberbullying as a multidimensional phenomenon. These findings are expected to serve as a basis for developing effective and contextual interventions.