CyberbullyingModernization of bullying, with a more severe impact

Meghan VargoPSY 492

Advanced PsychologyAugust 15, 2011

Professor Marie Dube

Was the creation of the internet, the creation of

Cyberbullying?Cyberbullying is commonly considered a recent occurrence due to the advancement of social networking and technology.

However, in 1999, it was discovered that “Eric Harris had created a website conspicuous threats against fellow students’ in which was brought to the attention of police in which he was questioned by police.” This incident is being as an ‘early example of cyber bullying’” (Keith, 2005).

Creating websites about “Who’s hot or not” or a list of whom a person doesn’t like are also forms of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others; noting the absence of a power imbalance, suggesting online power is not a necessary component,” (Keith, 2005).

Bullying is a part of growing upNormal part of

childhood?The effects that Cyberbullying has on its victim is more intense and has had detrimental results. Because it is not the normal face-to-face style of insulting or tease, the instigator has no set boundaries, limitations or tangible consequences

Forms of Cyberbullying

Chat-rooms

Instant Messaging

E-mail

Text messages

Stealing passwords

Impersonating another person on the internet

Blogging negatively

Sending compromising pictures or virus

Real life or cyber?Face-to-face bullying

Name calling

Pushing, hitting, slapping etc

Yelling at, threatening

If heard or seen by adult, punishment is enforced immediately- repercussions of actions are felt by instigator

Cyberbullying

Threats, hate messages, emotional abusive words sent electronically

No physical harm caused but emotional abuse

No immediate punishment or tangible consequences to be dealt with by instigator

Goes unreported by victim due to fear of internet privileges being taken away or threat not being taken seriously

Likely to go on for months, on a consistent basis

Has lead to teen suicide

Harsh Reality

How common is

Cyberbullying?

57% of students saying someone had said hurtful or angry things to them online 13% say it happens quite often. 53% admit to saying mean or hurtful things to someone online7% admit to doing so ‘quite often’ 35% admit to being threatened online5% admit to having been ‘quite often.’ 58% have not told a parent or another adult about experience online.

(National i-Safe Survey, 2004)

Reasons for engaging in the act of Cyberbullying:

Perceive hostile internet in actions of others

React quicker to anger that others

Use force sooner

Hold to rigid beliefs

View image as way to power

Use aggressive action to protect their image

Control others through verbal threats and physical actions

Tend to have little empathy for victims problems

Impulsivity in adolescents

Act without considering consequences

Lack of perseverance

Sensation seeking

Mean Girls in real lifeChild Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) has concluded girls use relational aggression, use relationships as weapons (targeting one girl in a virtual attack of gossip and hate messages or using a potential interest from a guy to tease or torture another student), as a popular form of cyber bullying attack. “These manipulation acts lead to social isolation.” (Fagin, 2004)

Warning SignsAustralian Government concluded warning signs that a student is being Cyber Bullied:

Spending a lot of time on a computer

Having trouble sleeping or nightmares

Feeling depressed or crying with no apparent reason

Mood swings

Feeling unwell

Becoming anti-social

Falling behind in homework

(Campbell, 2005)

Parent involvement

How to help your child

There is a large gap in how parents and kids relate to technology.

Parents need to be involved.

Know what your child is doing on the computer and how they use their cell phones

Teach children electronic communication etiquette and ensure they understand what is acceptable behavior.

Talk to kids about danger versus forbidding the use of technology

References:Agatston, P. (2007). Students’ Perspectives on Cyber Bullying. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6), S59-S60. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.09.003.

Anderson-Butcher, D., & Lasseigne, A., & Ball, A., & Brzozowski, M., & Lehnert, M., & McCormick, L. (2010). Adolescent Weblog Use: Risky or Protective? Child Adolescent Social Work J, 27, 63-77. doi: 10.1007/s10560-010-0193-x.

Bhat, C. (2008). Cyber Bullying: Overview and Strategies for School Counselors, Guidance Officers, and All School Personnel. Australian Journal of Guidance & Counseling, 18(1), 53-66. doi: 10.1375/ajgc.18.1.53.

Campbell, M. (2005) Cyber Bullying: An Old Problem in a New Guise? Australian Journal of Guidance & Counseling, 15 (1), 68-76 doi: 10.1375/ajgc.15.1.68.

Cornell, D., & Mehta, S. (2011) Counselor Confirmation of Middle School Students Self-Reports of Bullying Victimization. Profession School Counseling. 14(4) Retrieved from: http://cehs15.unl.edu/cms/uploads/2-527-Cornell%20&%20Mehta%202011%20self%20reports%20of%20bullying%20Professional%20School%20Counseling.pdf.

Dooley, J., & Pyzalski, J., & Cross, D. (2009) Cyber bullying Versus Face-to-Face Bullying. Journal of Psychology, 217(4) 182-188 .doi: 10.1027/0044-3409.217.4.182.

Froese-Germain, B. (2009) Bullying in the Digital Age: Using Technology to Harass Students and Teachers. ProQuest Central, 17(4) 45 Retrieved from: http://www.policyalternatives.ca.

Keith, S., & Martin, M. (2005) Cyber-Bullying: Creating a Culture of Respect in a Cyber World. Crisis Prevention. 13(4) 224-228 Retrieved from: http://www.crisisprevention.com/Web-Resources/Cyber-Bullying--Creating-a-Culture-of-Respect-in-a.

Slovak, K., & Singer, J. (2011) School Social Workers’ Perceptions of Cyber bullying. Children & Schools. 33(1) 5. Retrieved from: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nasw/cs/2011/00000033/00000001/art00002.

Smith, P., & Mahdavi, J., & Carvalho, M., & Fisher, S., & Russell, S., & Tippett, N. (2008) Cyberbullying: It’s Nature and Impact in Secondary School Pupils. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 49(4) 376-285 doi: 10.111/j.1469-7610.2007.01846.x.

Spears, B., & Slee, P., & Owens, L., & Johnson, B. (2009) Behind the Scenes and Screens: Insight into the Human Dimension of Covert and Cyberbullying. Journal of Psychology. 217(4) 189-196 doi: 10.1027/0044-3409.217.4.189.

Wang, J., & Iannotti, R., & Nansel, T. (2009) School Bullying Among Adolescents in the United States: Physical, Verbal, Relational, and Cyber. Journal of Adolescent Health. 45(4) 368-375 doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.021.