Reasons Behind Indifference/Inaction Toward Cyberbullying Incidents

• In Event: Leadership and Social Relationships in Adolescent Development

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the dynamics between cyber-empathy and students’ positive reaction to cyberbullying, along with their reasons for inaction. A total of 3,262 students participated in this study. Data were collected through print questionnaires distributed to each school by postal mail. The results revealed that cyber-empathy could significantly predict students’ positive reaction to cyberbullying. Further results showed that elementary and senior high school students reported higher empathy than those in junior high school, but junior high school students reported more positive action than the other two groups. This study suggested that guidance on responsible reactions, empathetic concerns and eradication of adverse reasons for doing thing when cyberbullying happens should be emphasized in cyberbullying prevention and intervention education.

Authors

• Yun-Yin Huang, National Tsing Hua University

• Yin-Lan Chen, National Chiao Tung University

• Huei-Chuan Wei, Institute of Education - National Chiao Tung University

• Chien Chou, National Chiao Tung University