Adolescents' Experiences of Cyberbullying

Abstract

This paper reports a multi-method study that investigated adolescents' experiences of cyberbullying. Sixty-one students (grades 10-12) responded to a survey that requires answers of both quantitative and qualitative nature. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed to understand frequencies and compare gender and grade differences. Qualitative data were coded to identify themes. Results suggest that a substantial portion of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying of various types. Significant gender differences exist in cyberstalking, with girls being more likely than boys to be subject to cyberstalking. Significant grade related differences exist in cyberstalking and exclusion, with 12th graders more likely to be victims of cyberstalking and exclusion than 10th and 11th graders. The majority of adolescents are unwilling to report cyberbullying experiences to adults due to reasons including lack of awareness or underestimating the negative effect of cyberbullying, fear of adults' overreaction, and the desire to deal with the problem by themselves.