Cyberbullying Toward Maori Is Rife in New Zealand: Incidences and Demographic Differences in Experiences of Cyberbullying Among Maori

Previous research on cyberbullying has focused almost entirely on examining its prevalence among dominant ethnic populations, leaving it unclear how common cyberbullying is among indigenous peoples. Our study draws on a large sample of Maori adults aged 18-83 years (n = 6,529) who completed the questionnaire-based Maori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study in 2017. We analyzed reports of cyberbullying according to demographic characteristics, namely gender, age, sexual orientation, and multiple ethnic affiliations. On average, 19.3 percent of participants reported ever experiencing cyberbullying, and 4.1 percent reported experiencing cyberbullying within the past month. Young adults (aged 18-25) experienced the most, and incidences progressively declined among older cohorts. Women and those identifying as a minority sexual orientation reported higher rates of cyberbullying than men and heterosexuals. Those identifying as Maori as one of their multiple ethnicities reported higher rates of cyberbullying than those who identified as Maori only. Together, these findings provide a detailed investigation of the prevalence of cyberbullying in a large national indigenous sample. Previous data show that cyberbullying is common among adolescents and adults in New Zealand; however, our data indicate an even higher prevalence among the Maori. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed in light of Maori mental health outcomes.

Automated summary

The study found that cyberbullying prevalence is higher among Maori people, with young adults and individuals of minority sexual orientation more likely to be victims. Those identifying as multiple ethnicities also have a higher likelihood of experiencing cyberbullying.