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Warning on cyber-bullying
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Printable version |
| 29 April, 2012 |
Cyber-bullying and traditional bullying are two very different problems, with a new study showing even the factors that lead to the different types vary.
An international research project lead by Professor Sheryl Hemphill of Australian Catholic University found that academic failure, family conflict and past bullying behaviour were the main factors leading to episodes of traditional bullying.
Of these, only past behaviour, in the form of relational aggression, was a factor leading to incidents of cyber-bullying.
Relational aggression refers to covert forms of bullying such as exclusion and spreading rumours.
The study surveyed 927 students in Victoria, and found that approximately 15 per cent had been engaged in cyber-bullying and 21 per cent in traditional bullying.
Seven per cent had been involved in both.
“Advances in technology can provide young people with positive ways to communicate but can also bring about new risks,” Prof Hemphill said.
Drawing on data from the International Youth Development Study – a longitudinal study of students in Australia and the US which began in 2002 – the research examined individual, peer, family and school risk factors for both cyber and traditional bullying in adolescents.
“At this stage, the best advice we can give to schools is for them to use evidence-based bullying-prevention programs and ensure that they target cyber-bullying within these,” she said. “Further research on influential factors may suggest other approaches in the future.
“For traditional bullying, addressing difficulties at home and providing academic support also helps improve the behavior of perpetrators.”
With cyber-bullying still relatively new, Prof Hemphill said further research is needed before we can ful
ly understand the influential factors as well as its impacts.
“Cyber-space is a relatively new environment,” she said. “We need to take a similar approach to anywhere young people go – teach them the skills they need to keep themselves safe in that environment and know how to find assistance if they need it.
“We need to develop clear strategies young people can use in cyber-space so that they experience the benefits but avoid the risks of the cyber environment.
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