The Many Dimensions of Cyberbullying: Who, What, and Why

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

The past decade has seen a rapid increase in computer-based communication and information sharing among adolescents, and as a result, cyberbullying has emerged as an extremely popular form of bullying. However, unlike traditional bullying, research on cyberbullying suggests it is a major public and social concern given the negative consequences e.g., suicide, poor self-esteem, and a variety of other emotional and psychological problems (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010). Indeed a number of studies have identified severe risk factors as well as protective factors cyberbullying, particularly among high school students with limited information on college students. To date, researchers have primarily examined cyberbullying in the context of high school students. The present study explores existing scholarship over the past 5 years in four dimensions; specifically, we plan to synthesize the research over the past decade to understand cyberbullying in the context of high school and college students: who are the perpetrators; what are their characteristics; and why they engage in cyberbullying. In this process, we will document the present experiences of adolescents and college students in the United States and discuss possible initiatives for prevention and/or reduction of this growing phenomena.

Authors

• Charlene Harris, SUNY - Oswego

• Carolyn Slotten, Miami University