Do Anti-Cyberbullying Interventions Work? A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

• In Event: Contemporary Topics in Bullying

Abstract

Bullying is a serious concern associated with numerous negative psychological, social, and mental outcomes for students. Given the rise of technology and social media use among adolescents, bullying via online or mobile platforms, known as cyberbullying, has increased over the past two decades. In the wake of highly visible tragedies involving cyberbullying and also pernicious forms of online abuse from public figures in today’s society, there is an urgency to understand cyberbullying prevention efforts. The present study meta-analyzed over 20 studies, revealing small but significant effect sizes for existing interventions on cyberbullying and cybervictimization, with a significant degree of heterogeneity. Moderators indicated differential effects between interventions. Implications for policy and practice regarding cyberbullying and cybervictimization prevention will be discussed

Authors

• Carlton Jing Fong, Texas State University

• Chun Li, Trinity University

• Dorothy L. Espelage, University of Florida