Defining Cyberbullying: A Multiple Perspectives Approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Media Studies

Background:

• The definition of cyberbullying lacks consensus among researchers and the public.
• Traditional bullying characteristics (harm intent, power imbalance, repetition) are ambiguously applied to cyberbullying.
• Few studies explore cyberbullying definitions from the viewpoints of those involved: bullies, victims, and bystanders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the ambiguity in cyberbullying definitions.
• To propose a novel, comprehensive definition of cyberbullying.
• To integrate the perspectives of bullies, victims, and bystanders into a unified definition.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on existing cyberbullying definitions.
• Analysis of traditional bullying characteristics in digital contexts.
• Qualitative or quantitative research to gather perspectives from bullies, victims, and bystanders (specific methods not detailed in abstract).

Main Results:

• Identified ambiguities in applying traditional bullying traits to cyberbullying.
• Highlighted the need for distinct definitions based on user roles.
• Developed a proposed three-part definition of cyberbullying.

Conclusions:

• A unified, three-part definition is necessary to accurately define cyberbullying.
• Incorporating bully, victim, and bystander perspectives enhances definitional clarity.
• This new definition can aid researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding and addressing cyberbullying.