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Students' perspectives on cyber bullying.
Patricia W Agatston1, Robin Kowalski, Susan Limber
1Cobb County School District, Prevention/Intervention Center, Marietta, Georgia 30080, USA. pagatston@bellsouth.net
Summary
Cyber bullying is a significant problem for middle and high school students, particularly females, who feel it is rarely discussed at school. Schools should implement policies and educational programs to address cyber bullying, involving students, educators, and parents.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Sociology
Background:
- Cyber bullying is a growing concern among adolescents.
- Existing prevention strategies may not adequately address the nuances of online harassment.
- Understanding student perspectives is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cyber bullying on middle and high school students.
- To explore students' perceptions of cyber bullying and its prevalence.
- To identify needs for prevention messages targeting students, educators, and parents.
Main Methods:
- Conducted focus groups with 148 middle and high school students across four schools.
- Utilized gender-specific focus groups with scripted questions.
- Focus groups lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Main Results:
- Students, especially females, perceive cyber bullying as a problem but rarely discuss it at school.
- Students do not view school personnel as helpful resources for cyber bullying issues.
- Most cyber bullying occurs outside school hours, but it impacts the school environment.
- Students are aware of basic coping strategies but lack knowledge on website removal and bystander intervention.
Conclusions:
- School districts need comprehensive policies and information sharing for students and parents regarding cyber bullying.
- Cyber bullying should be integrated into broader bullying prevention programs.
- Classroom lessons should focus on reporting mechanisms and promoting helpful bystander behavior.
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