Cyberbullying: A preliminary assessment for school personnel

Abstract

Because of the advent and growth of technology, a new variation of bullying-cyberbullying-has transformed from the physical to the virtual. Cyberbullying is a form of psychological cruelty. Although cyberbullying usually occurs off school grounds, schools are experiencing its repercussions (Li, 2006). This article provides an overview of cyberbullying, defines the difference between bullying and cyberbullying, and provides a psychological explanation of cyberbullying behaviors and the psychological impact of cyberbullying. The review of literature suggests that there is a lapse in preventative intervention to create and maintain awareness and safety for young people. Implications and guidelines are provided for school personnel to address this problem and develop prevention strategies. C 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Bullying is a widespread problem in our schools and communities. It is an unacceptable antisocial behavior that can undermine the quality of the school environment, affect students' academic and social outcomes, cause victims emotional and psychological trauma, and, in extreme cases, lead to serious violence (

Μαθησιακές Δυσκολίες Και Σχολικός Εκφοβισμός

“…Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει λάβει ανησυχητικές διαστάσεις με τα παιδιά -στόχους να εκτίθενται πλέον σε πλήθος ανθρώπων ξεφεύγοντας από τα στενά πλαίσια του σχολικού χώρου (Παραδεισιώτη & Τζιόγκουρος, 2008) και με τη μορφή αυτή του εκφοβισμού να μετατρέπεται σε ψυχολογική βιαιότητα (Mason, 2008).Με τη χρήση της τεχνολογίας επιτρέπεται στους εκφοβιστές να παρενοχλούν τα θύματά τους και μετά το σχολείο, ακόμη και τα σαββατοκύριακα (Jackson, 2006). Παρά το γεγονός, όμως, ότι το cyberbullying εμφανίζεται και σε χώρους εκτός των σχολείων, τα σχολεία είναι αυτά που βιώνουν τις επιπτώσεις του (Mason, 2008).…”

Cyber-victimization among Children: Prevalence, Characteristics, Gender Differences and Links to Social Difficulties

“…An explanation for this phenomenon was offered by Mason [9], when she claimed that online environment is characterized by 'removal of inhibitions', which means the removal of, or the release from, conventional social behavior that very often involves the inhibition or suppression of certain reactions. In reference to the online world, the removal of inhibitions and the release from barriers is made possible by using the anonymous space -the lack of face-to-face contact in the online social environment.…”

“…In the context of the theme of this study, one can bring as an example the correlation found among children in this developmental period (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) between restrained and/or inhibited behavior and social difficulties [40], or between shyness and flawed social skills [41]. In other words, at this age it is possible to notice children's emotional problems and abilities, try to regulate behaviors attached to them, try and moderate behavior, and this way help them undergo proper emotional development.…”

“…Smith and associates [12] defined cyberbullying as intentional aggressive actions taken by an individual or a group, using electronic devices repeatedly against a defenseless victim. Mason [9] gave a more detailed definition, emphasizing the underlying intention: "an intentional repetitive offense carried out using a computer, a mobile phone or other digital items, by an individual or a group" [9].…”

“…They begin to form a more complex selfimage and perceive themselves as social partners, initiators and problem solvers [35]. During late childhood (ages [6][7][8][9][10][11][12], the importance of the peer' group increases, and it continues to increase as the children grow up, becoming adolescents [36]. The peer group allows children to experience what they cannot experience while interacting with adults.…”