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Bullying is a national public health issue that affects millions of youth. According to PREVNet (2014), bullying rates in Canada are higher than two-thirds of OECD countries, where 75% of people say they have been affected by bullying. With the proliferation of technology, bullying has permeated private spaces and is no longer limited to just school grounds. Due to the accessibility of technology by youth, bullies are now able to break down the safety barrier that used to be provided within the homes of youth, which could be concerning for parents of current/potential victims (Ang & Goh, 2010; Baldry, Farrington, & Sorrentino, 2015). Youth are also less willing to report online incidents of harassment than in-person incidents because “they are concerned that their parents might find out and restrict their Internet access” (Juvonen & Gross, 2008, p. 502). In short, technology has enabled bullies to bypass the watchful eyes of parents and educators and has given them a more direct access to their victims.
Cyberbullying can be defined as “a form of bullying that uses electronic means such as email, mobile phone calls, text messages, instant messenger contact, photos, social networking sites, and personal web pages, with the intention of causing harm to another person through repeated hostile conduct” (Ortega, Elipe, Mora-Merchan et al., 2012, p. 342). Essentially, any communication (message, post, text, etc.) that aims to belittle, torment or intimidate another electronic network user is considered an act of cyberbullying.
Although there are numerous findings from previous research on traditional bullying that are applicable to cyberbullying, it is essential to recognize the features that distinguish cyberbullying: (a) some technological proficiency is required, (b) cyberbullies may be afforded more anonymity than traditional bullies, (c) bullying online usually occurs when there is a physical distance between the perpetrator and victim (Cowie, 2009; Li, Smith, & Cross, 2012), (d) cyberbullying is usually more indirect, (e) the part that physical strength plays is almost negligible, (f) potential for a wider audience, and (g) cyberbullying is hard to escape due to its pervasiveness (e.g., in one’s own home, Heirman & Walrave, 2008; Ševčiková, Šmahel, & Otavová, 2012).
Previous studies have identified many deleterious effects of cyberbullying on the mental health of victims, which include feelings of sadness, hurt, anger, frustration, confusion, stress, distress, and loneliness (Brewer & Kerslake, 2015; Fahy, Stansfeld, Smuk et al., 2016; Larrañaga, Yubero, Ovejero & Navarro, 2016). More severe effects documented in the research literature include: depression, low self-esteem, helplessness, social anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional problems, fear, feeling vulnerable and alone, diminished self-worth, serious relationship disruption, increased substance use, emotional and peer problems (Agatston, Kowalski, & Limber, 2012; Gámez-Guadix, Gina, & Calvete, 2015; Katzer, Fetchenhauer, & Belschak, 2009; Kowalski, Morgan, & Limber, 2012; Marczak & Coyne, 2010; Menesini & Nocentini, 2012; Patchin & Hinduja, 2012; Schenk & Fremouw, 2012; Smith, 2012; Sourander et al., 2010; Tokunaga, 2010; von Marées & Petermann, 2012; Ybarra, Diener-West, & Leaf, 2007).