Shari Kessel Schneider1, Lydia O'Donnell2, Erin Smith3. 1. Education Development Center, Inc., 43 Foundry Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453. skschneider@edc.org. 2. Education Development Center, Inc., 43 Foundry Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453. lodonnell@edc.org. 3. Education Development Center, Inc., 43 Foundry Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453. esmith@edc.org.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Schools are increasingly being called upon to address cyberbullying and its consequences. This study compares cyberbullying and school bullying trends and examines help-seeking among cyberbullying victims. METHODS: We analyzed self-report data over 4 surveys (2006-2012) from more than 16,000 students in 17 MetroWest Boston high schools. Using generalized estimating equations, we examined school and cyberbullying victimization trends by sex, grade, and sexual orientation. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2012, cyberbullying increased from 15% to 21% (p < .001). In 2006, school bullying was 1.7 times higher than cyberbullying (26% versus 15%); by 2012, school bullying and cyberbullying were similar (23% versus 21%). Cyberbullying increased more among girls (17% to 27%; p < .001) than boys (12% to 15%; p < .001). There was no net increase in school bullying among girls (26% in 2006 and 2012) and a decrease among boys (25% to 18%; p < .001). Sexual minorities were more likely than heterosexuals to be bullied at school and online at every survey. Only 33% of cyberbullying victims told an adult; more victims told parents/non-school adults (29%) than school adults (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite decreases in school bullying, cyberbullying rose steadily, particularly among girls. Increased attention to sociodemographic differences in bullying could promote help-seeking and positive online behavior.
BACKGROUND: Schools are increasingly being called upon to address cyberbullying and its consequences. This study compares cyberbullying and school bullying trends and examines help-seeking among cyberbullying victims. METHODS: We analyzed self-report data over 4 surveys (2006-2012) from more than 16,000 students in 17 MetroWest Boston high schools. Using generalized estimating equations, we examined school and cyberbullying victimization trends by sex, grade, and sexual orientation. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2012, cyberbullying increased from 15% to 21% (p < .001). In 2006, school bullying was 1.7 times higher than cyberbullying (26% versus 15%); by 2012, school bullying and cyberbullying were similar (23% versus 21%). Cyberbullying increased more among girls (17% to 27%; p < .001) than boys (12% to 15%; p < .001). There was no net increase in school bullying among girls (26% in 2006 and 2012) and a decrease among boys (25% to 18%; p < .001). Sexual minorities were more likely than heterosexuals to be bullied at school and online at every survey. Only 33% of cyberbullying victims told an adult; more victims told parents/non-school adults (29%) than school adults (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite decreases in school bullying, cyberbullying rose steadily, particularly among girls. Increased attention to sociodemographic differences in bullying could promote help-seeking and positive online behavior.
Authors: Katherine M Keyes; Dahsan Gary; Patrick M O'Malley; Ava Hamilton; John Schulenberg Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2019-03-30 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Megan L Ranney; Sarah K Pittman; Alison Riese; Christopher Koehler; Michele L Ybarra; Rebecca M Cunningham; Anthony Spirito; Rochelle K Rosen Journal: Acad Pediatr Date: 2019-11-08 Impact factor: 3.107