Longitudinal Predictors of Cyber and Traditional Bullying Perpetration in Australian Secondary School Students

Abstract

Purpose Cyber bullying perpetration (using communication technology to engage in bullying) is a recent phenomenon that has generated much concern. There are few prospective longitudinal studies of cyber bullying. The current paper examines the individual, peer, family and school risk factors for both cyber and traditional bullying (the latter is bullying that does not utilize technology) in adolescents. Methods This paper draws on a rich data set from the International Youth Development Study, a longitudinal study of students in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States, which began in 2002. In this paper, data from almost 700 Victorian students recruited in Grade 5 is analyzed to examine Grade 7 (aged 12-13 years) predictors of traditional and cyber bullying perpetration in Grade 9 (aged 14-15 years). Results Fifteen per cent of students engaged in cyber bullying, 21% in traditional bullying and 7% in both. There are similarities and important differences in the predictors of cyber and traditional bullying. In the fully adjusted model, only prior engagement in relational aggression (a covert form of bullying such as spreading rumors about another student) predicted cyber bullying perpetration. For traditional bullying, previous relational aggression was also predictive, as was having been a victim and perpetrator of traditional bullying, family conflict, and academic failure. Conclusions The use of evidence-based bullying prevention programs is supported to reduce experiences of all forms of bullying perpetration(cyber, traditional, and relational aggression). In addition, for traditional bullying perpetration, addressing family conflict and student academic support are also important.

Gender Differences in the Association Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration: The Role of Anger Rumination and Traditional Bullying Experiences

“…For instance, it has been proposed that TB victimization might motivate some individuals to engage in CB as a form of revenge within the safe confines of anonymity (Dooley et al 2009;Hemphill et al 2012). Previous experiences of aggression in TB might also lead to the exacerbation of aggressive behaviors in cyberspace (Li 2007;Smith et al 2008).…”

Adolescent social stress does not necessarily lead to a compromised adaptive capacity during adulthood: A study on the consequences of social stress in rats

“…A seriously compromised social environment is experienced by a substantial amount of children being victims of bullying peers (Juvonen et al, 2003). Some of the victims of bullying are reported to suffer from loneliness, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and have an increased risk to develop mood disorders like anxiety or depression (Bjorkqvist, 2001;Hemphill et al, 2012). Positive social interactions, however, such as social support from friends and family during a period of stress improves the chance of successfully coping with stress or recovering from psychopathologies as mentioned above (Franks et al, 1992;Weihs et al, 2005;Cosley et al, 2010;Dunbar, 2010;Weidt et al, 2012).…”

„Cyberbullying“ unter Jugendlichen

“…In den letzten Jahren wurden einige zusammenfassende Arbeiten zu prädispo-nierenden Faktoren und Prädiktoren publiziert [1,23].…”