ERIC Number: ED524610
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jul
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Cyberbullying Knows No Borders
Miller, Jerold D.; Hufstedler, Shirley M.
Australian Teacher Education Association, Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA) (Albury, Jun 28-Jul 1, 2009)
Cyberbullying is a global problem with a wide range of incidents reported in many countries. This form of bullying may be defined as harassment using technology such as social websites (MySpace/Facebook), email, chat rooms, mobile phone texting and cameras, picture messages (including sexting), IM (instant messages), or blogs. Cyberbullying involves repeated harm willfully inflicted on another person through technology and can include teasing, name calling, hurtful stories, embarrassing pictures, lies, false rumors, mean or threatening notes, threats of violence or death, and other hurtful actions. This study was a Quasi-experimental form of Action Research exploring the Cyberbullying phenomenon. The ongoing project is an examination of the nature, extent, and affects of adolescents' Cyberbullying experiences. An anonymous survey of students in grades 6-12 was distributed by teachers and teacher candidates to their classes in San Diego County, California, USA. This personal distribution method resulted in 511 student participants from a pool of 528; a return rate of nearly 97%. The survey results were tabulated and descriptively analyzed to answer the research questions. Most adults do not understand the nature or extent of teen interaction and socialization online and they do not acknowledge the serious and sometimes frightening consequences of Cyberbullying. At home, parents may not realize the full extent of their children's despair. At school, teachers and administrators may be aware of changes in a student's behavior but may not recognize the level of harassment or have an appropriate plan of action to stop it. The consequences of Cyberbullying range from benign distress to the tragedy of adolescent suicide. This study not only highlights the nature, extent, and affects of adolescents' Cyberbullying experiences, but also points the way to concrete suggestions for teachers, administrators, and parents to address this international epidemic.
Descriptors: Web Sites, Electronic Publishing, Action Research, Suicide, Adolescents, Secondary School Students, Depression (Psychology), Bullying, Computer Mediated Communication, Social Networks, Electronic Mail, Surveys, Student Attitudes, Parents, Teachers, Administrators, Student Behavior
Australian Teacher Education Association. e-mail: secretary@atea.edu.au; Web site: http://atea.edu.au
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA)
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A