Jessica's Question

QUESTION: In your research did you come across anyways that could begin to prevent the further spread of cyberbullying so it does not reach a global epidemic? Which nations have the worst cases of cyberbullying?

Jessica,

This is a very good question, and one whose answer would be a good follow-up to my previous research. Some research has been done by a group of scholars on this subject and they have noted that state and local governments in the United States are taking many measures to both control and prevent cyberbullying in this country. These governments have their laws and rules that fall into three main categories: 1. Policies to control the use of electronic media 2. Programs designed to educate and teach children about safe Internet practices and how to avoid and address cyberbullying. These programs also educate the children on the consequences of cyberbullying 3. Technological approaches to prevent the potential for cyberbullying.

Also, the US congress passed the "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Legislation" in 2008 in an effort to address and prevent bullying and harassment online in US schools. Furthermore, since most cyberbullying occurs in and amongst schools, most schools in the US have many preventative measures against online bullying such as internet security and other means to control electronic media.

As far as countries with a high prevalence of cyberbullying, I was unable to find any specifics, however, as I mentioned in my previous research in my podcast, I was able to conclude that cyberbullying is prevalent in the majority of nations with citizens that have access to online media, and especially the social networking sites of today.

References:

Gable, R., Snakenborg, J., & Acker, R. V. (2011). Cyberbullying: Prevention And Intervention To Protect Our Children And Youth. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 55(2), 88-95.
 

Natalie's Question

QUESTION: You mention a lot about the impact and effects of this cyber bullying on the victim and the psychological implications it may have. Was there any research on the effects on the perpetrator, or the effects on the bully's social identity?

Natalie,

In regards to your question, I did not specifically look at the effects of the perpetrator in my research. However, this is a very interesting question. Upon doing further research, I have found some very interesting data that was recently published. Some research that I have found include the psychological effects of the bully. These include destructive behaviors such as damaging property or other individuals, stealing or consumption of illicit substances. Furthermore, bullies tend to feel a disconnectedness from school and their peers and also experience a lack of peer support. In this way then, the bully can also experience a social identity crisis, similarly to that of a lot of the victims that I looked at in my research. This study also revealed that some bullies were once bullied themselves, and are simply using technology as a medium to "get back" at their own bully.


Reference

Vandebosch, H., & Cleemput, K. V. (2009). Bullying among youngsters: profiles of bullies and victims. New Media and Society, 11(8), 1349-1371.