Cyberbullying and Cybervictimisation: Stepping Stones towards Future Criminal Behavior. A Cross-National Profile of Bullying and Victimization among Adolescents in Five Countries

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Cyber bullying is a phenomenon that children and adolescents seem to be increasingly using to harm others (National Children’s Home, 2002). Same studies (Patchin, & Hinduja, 2006; Wolak, Mitchell, & Finkelhor, 2007) estimates over the 30-40% of students experienced cyberbullying, and reports show the prevalence increase yearly (Dilmac, 2009).
Cyberbullying is defined as an aggressive, intentional act repeated over time against a victim, conducted by an individual or a group of individuals using various forms of electronic contact (Smith et al., 2008). Cyberbullying is an “emerging public health problem” (Carchman, 2009) and cyberbullying victims lack a specific legal remedy in many States.
In the present study we will compare the prevalence of cyber bullying among youth in 5 countries (Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary and Bulgaria), underlining the risk factors for cyberbullying and cybervictimization.
Over 2000 middle and high school students were interviewed twice at time 1 and time 2 after 6 months; results are discussed by first presenting prevalence rates and then showing the even more dangerous side of cyber-bullying and how this is associated with cyber-victimisation and future even more serious behaviors. Implication for policy makers are commented.

Author

• Anna Costanza Baldry, Second University of Naples