A Peer Support Community on Facebook: A Counternarrative to Cyberbullying

• In Event: 66.059 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 66.059-1 - School Leadership, Instructional Leadership, and Leading Through the Challenges of Social Justice and Contemporary Issues

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on a peer support system created and facilitated by a high school student. The peer support group was multifaceted, including one component on Facebook™. A review of literature on bullying, cyberbullying, Communities of Practice and hyperpersonal communications was compiled, studied and analyzed. The case study was comprised of a four one-on-one interviews with the creator of the support system, in which she discussed her experiences throughout its facilitation. The study focuses on the use of Facebook™ as a medium for support, in particular, the anonymity it allowed for the members of the support system to share. This study to identifies the benefits of support systems for students that are facilitated and governed through peers.

Authors

• Carrie Davenport-Kellogg

• Heidi J. Stevenson, University of the Pacific