Examining Assumptions about New Technology and Bullying: Findings from the Technology Harassment Victimization (THV) Study

• In Event: NIJ Highlights: Cyberbullying and Internet Harassment among Youth

Abstract

While the role of new technology in youth bullying has prompted a great deal of public concern, there is much that is not understood. Many assume that new technology exacerbates the harmful impact of peer victimization, but this has not been empirically examined. There is also no research on whether bystander or victim reporting behaviors are similar or different when new technology is involved. A research-based understanding of technology involvement in harassment and bullying incidents is important to avoid shaping interventions on untested assumptions. This presentation will examine questions about technology-based harassment from the Technology Harassment Victimization (THV) Study, funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Telephone interviews were conducted with a national sample of 791 youth in the United States, ages 10-20. The study found that harassment incidents involving no technology (in-person only), those that only occur via new technology, and those involving both technology and in-person harassment (mixed incidents) varied significantly in terms of the negative impact on victims, with mixed incidents having the highest negative impact. Incident-level bystander reactions and victim disclosures also varied across the groups. Findings will be discussed in terms of their implications for improving bullying prevention and response.

Authors

• Kimberly Mitchell, University of New Hampshire

• Lisa Jones, University of New Hampshire

• Heather Turner, University of New Hampshire