A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Decrease Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization

• In Event: Supporting the Social Emotional Needs of Youth: Interventions and Program Ideas

Abstract

Cyberbullying is the act of inflicting or receiving negative, damaging, or abusive language or harassment through information and communications technology. Victims of cyberbullying suffer from depression more often, have lower self-esteem, demonstrate lower academic achievement, and have higher suicidal ideation and attempts, compared with students who are not victimized. Researchers have attempted to reduce cyberbullying through school-based interventions. Although recent reviews have attempted to synthesize the literature, they used incomplete review methods. This project fills this gap by conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the interventions designed to decrease cyberbullying. The results revealed 61 programs and approximately 320 effect sizes. Initial results indicated a significant reduction in cyberbullying.

Authors

• Joshua R. Polanin, American Institutes for Research

• Dorothy L. Espelage, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Jennifer Grotpeter, Development Services Group