Unraveling Correlates of Cyberbullying/stalking in Canada

• In Event: Victimization in Online Contexts

Abstract

As access to technology is increasing, there are growing concerns over the dangers of being a victim of cyberbullying/cyberstalking. The public is often worried about the increased cyber mise en scène. Youth of the digital generation are interacting in ways our foremothers and fathers never imagined – using electronic communications that until 30 years ago never existed. Relying on data from the Canadian General Social Survey, Cycle 34, we intend to seek information on the extent and impact of cyberbullying/stalking incidents in the past 5 years from victims’ perspectives. We examine the psychometric properties of a measure of cyberbullying/stalking victimization experiences. The preliminary results indicate that cyberbullying/stalking victimization is related to discrimination and perception of safety. This study provides new insight into the problem of cyberbullying/stalking and helps inform policymakers as to appropriate prevention or intervention measures to counter cyberbullying/stalking.

Authors

• Liqun Cao, Ontario Tech University

• Xiaohan Mei, California State University, Long Beach

• Zhi-Shu Li, Shenyang Open University