Cyberbullying, Online Safety Education, and Resistance to Help-Seeking Among Saudi Adolescents

This study examined Saudi adolescents’ digital use, experiences of cyberbullying, and willingness to seek help when facing online risks. Furthermore, the study examined how perceived online safety, preferred reporting sources, exposure to online safety education, and demographic characteristics are associated with resistance to help-seeking. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 302 adolescents aged 11–17 years across Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVAs, and hierarchical multiple regression were used to explore patterns and predictors of resistance to help-seeking. Descriptively, the results showed near-universal smartphone access, high daily screen time, and that a substantial minority had experienced recent cyberbullying, including repeated victimization. Although most participants reported feeling safe online, many expressed uncertainty and endorsed self-reliant or avoidant responses, with over half agreeing they would “just ignore” cyberbullying. Parents were the most frequently identified reporting source, yet around one-fifth of adolescents said that they would not seek help from anyone. Regression analyses indicated that female gender, higher socioeconomic status, feeling less safe online, and receiving online safety education from multiple sources were associated with lower resistance to help-seeking, whereas greater cyberbullying exposure predicted higher resistance. Overall, the results highlight the need for multi-source, culturally grounded online safety education and strengthened reporting pathways across families, schools, and digital platforms to support Saudi adolescents who experience cyberbullying and related online harms.