Cyberbullying and Internet Safety among College Students
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Authors
Fischer-Laycock, Ian
Issue Date
2012
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Cyberbullying is a growing problem that has emerged with the rapid adoption of technological communications among youth. Social networking sites, online pictures and videos, text messaging, mobile phones, email, and instant messaging have provided avenues for aggression. An emerging body of research exists on cyberbullying among adolescents, but little to no research has been performed on college populations. Community colleges, in particular, have seen a rise in enrollment in the last five years, and this growth is projected to continue. Community college students may be particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying due to a lack of institutional, social, and familial support. systems and resources that might be available to traditional university students. This study sample consisted of sixty-six undergraduate students enrolled in a community college or small, private university. A mixed methods approach was used to 1) Explore the prevalence of cyberbullying in six distinct categories, 2) measure student attitudes and beliefs regarding the impact of different forms of cyberbullying, 3) query students on their institution's cyberbullying and bullying prevention programs and services, and 4) gather student suggestions for helpful means of prevention and treatment for cyberbullying. The findings indicate that 29.2% had experienced a form of cyberbullying within the last year, similar to previous studies on high school students. Respondents reported that some forms of cyberbullying had more impact on victims than traditional bullying, that their institutions did not have programs to address or support cyberbullying victims, and provided suggestions for prevention. The findings indicate that cyberbullying continues to be a problem for college populations, highlighting the need for further research and prevention efforts in this area.