1. Introduction to Cyberbullying (3)Joaquín A. Mora-Merchán
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Module 2
Introduction to Cyberbullying
(1)Mona O'Moore, Conor Mc Guckin, Lucie Corcoran, Niall Crowley (2)Juan Calmaestra, Rosario del Rey, Rosario Ortega
(3)Joaquín A. Mora-Merchán
(1)Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), (2)University of Cordoba (Spain), (3)University of Seville (Spain)

2. Definition of cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying Objectives and envisaged learning outcomes
Understanding the connection between traditional bullying and cyberbullying
Definition of cyberbullying
Gain understanding of the nature of cyberbullying
Getting an overview about the various methods used to cyberbully
Recognising the potential effects of cyberbullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.2

3. Cyber- bullying Some data about cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Definition of cyberbullying and differentiation from traditional bullying
Some data about cyberbullying
Forms (Internet / Mobile)
Cyber- bullying
Impact / Potential consequences
Victims, perpetrators and bystanders
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.3

4. Definition Traditional bullying Traditional bullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Traditional bullying
Definition
A student is being bullied when another student, or a group of students
Say mean and unpleasant things or make fun of him or her or call him or her mean and hurtful names;
Completely ignore or exclude him or her from their group of friends or leave him or her out of things on purpose;
Hit, kick, push and shove around, or threaten him or her;
Tell lies or false rumours about him or her or send mean notes and try to make other students dislike him or her;
(Olweus, 1993)
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.4

5. Definition Traditional bullying Bullying has 3 main criteria:
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Traditional bullying
Definition
Bullying has 3 main criteria:
intention to cause harm to the victim;
repetition of the abusive behaviour over a period of time;
imbalance of power between the victim and bully/bullies.
However, one particularly severe incident, which creates an ongoing sense of intimidation can also be considered bullying.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.5

6. Definition Traditional bullying Systematic victmisation
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Traditional bullying
Definition
Systematic victmisation
Physical aggression
Verbal abuse
Gestures – often threatening
Exclusion
Extortion
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.6

7. Is there a typical victim?
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Is there a typical victim?
Anyone can become a victim!
Risk factors:
an anxious, sensitive, shy, insecure and cautious temperament;
few good friends;
low self-esteem;
a passive, non-aggressive, or non-assertive manner;
an emotionally reactive manner;
and clumsy behaviour when attempting to enter or join a peer group
reflecting a difference, e.g., accent, religion, culture, race, special needs
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.7

8. Characteristics of a typical bully
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Characteristics of a typical bully
Bullies often display specific characteristics, such as:
a need to dominate others;
low self-control;
an impulsive nature;
low anxiety;
a tendency to blame the victim;
tough poise;
a positive attitude towards aggression;
a lack of sensitivity and empathy;
a tendency towards other anti-social behaviour;
a loud manner;
and sometimes they have also been victims themselves.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.8

9. Why do children bully (traditional/cyber) others?
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Why do children bully (traditional/cyber) others?
O'Moore believes that bullying is an attempt to manipulate relationships with the aim of meeting one's psychological needs.
Examples of such needs include:
a desire to control;
a need to assert one’s dominance;
attention seeking;
desire to show off;
or desire to improve one's social status.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.9

10. What happens during bullying?
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
What happens during bullying?
Bullying creates stress
if stress continues over a period of time, illness is a common consequence
Bullying has been linked to a number of negative effects, including:
low self-esteem;
educational underperformance;
anxiety, bedwetting, abdominal pain, and feeling tense;
depression, self-harming and suicidal thoughts.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.10

11. The distribution of roles in bullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
The distribution of roles in bullying
Salmivalli et al. (1996) were able to identify clear roles within the process of bullying for 88% of the school children surveyed.
The results were replicated in a study in German comprehensive schools (Schäfer & Korn, 2004).
Fellow pupils have an important role in the process of bullying. Therefore, it is sensible to begin an intervention at the class level.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.11

12. Role of bystanders Traditional bullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Role of bystanders
Bystanders who witness cyberbullying often act in diverse ways:
Some join in
Some cheer on the bully
Others watch but don‘t participate
Some leave
Some object to others or to the bully
Some try to help the victim
Some report to someone who might help
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.12

13. Getting started: cluster
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying
Getting started: cluster
Has your child ever been a victim of bullying or cyberbullying? (yes/no)
Have you ever been targeted? (yes/no)
Imagine your child is being cyberbullied. Who would you contact first?
School/teacher
School social worker
Information centres
Other
Do you think bullies should be prosecuted / Do you think we need an additional law regarding cyberbullying? (yes/no)
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.13

14. Cyberbullying - Definition
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying - Definition
Definition of cyberbullying and
differentiation from traditional bullying
Cyber- bullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.14

15. Cyberbullying - Definition
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying - Definition
“Cyberbullying is any behaviour performed through electronic or digital media by individuals or groups that repeatedly communicates hostile or aggressive messages intended to inflict harm or discomfort on others.“
(Tokunaga 2010)
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.15

16. Cyberbullying – The problem
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – The problem
The transition between “school bullying” and cyberbullying is fluid.
Cyberbullies can also bully using traditional, direct tactics.
Cyberbullying means that bullying is no longer restricted to the area of the school - it can be continued anywhere and at any time.
Research has shown that there is an overlap between traditional bullying and cyberbullying.
Jksdfhkdjshf”
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.16

17. Cyberbullying – The problem
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – The problem
Cyberbullying can sometimes be extremely severe for a number of reasons.
Although a cyberbully may post a humiliating photo / video clip only once, it can be viewed by a huge audience.
Power can takes a different form in cyber space, such as anonymity or superior technological skills.
Technology allows a bully to attack their victim 24 hours a day in almost any location.
Cyberbullies are often not able to see or hear their victim’s reaction to the abuse. This can reduce feelings of empathy or guilt which might put a stop to bullying in the real world.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.17

18. Forms (Internet / Mobile)
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying - Forms
Forms (Internet / Mobile)
Cyber- bullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.18

19. Forms of Cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Forms of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be categorised based on the type of behaviour:
Flaming
Harassment
Denigration
Impersonation
Outing
Trickery
Exclusion
Cyber stalking
Alternatively, it can be categorised on the type of media … (cp. next slides)
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.19

20. Cyberbullying – Forms Cyberbullying Mobile Instant Messenger
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – Forms
Mobile
Repeated anonymous calls
SMS (threats, intimidation, insults)
Humiliating pictures/videos distributed online
Instant Messenger
Sending cruel messages,images,videos
Using someone else‘s account to send unpleasent messages etc.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.20

21. Cyberbullying – Forms Cyberbullying Chat rooms E-Mail
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – Forms
Chat rooms
Sending cruel, threatening messages
Ignoring a person/people in a group
Making friendships under false pretences
Sending inappropriate content (videos, images)
Access a personal account (e.g., in order to forward, delete personal s)
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.21

22. Cyberbullying – Forms Cyberbullying Webcams
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – Forms
Webcams
Recording inappropriate content
Posting private recordings online (e.g., following a relationship break up)
Social networks
Publishing cruel images, comments
Accessing someone else‘s account and abusing it
Hategroups
Creating a fake profile and acting in the name of the bullied victim
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.22

23. Cyberbullying – Forms Cyberbullying Video/Photo sharing websites
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying – Forms
Video/Photo sharing websites
Publishing embarrassing or humiliating videos or images
Posting private recordings online, e.g., after a relationship breaks up
Gaming Websites (e.g., World of Warcraft)
Experienced players seek out weak players and repeatedly kill their characters
Targeted exclusion of individuals from group activities and events
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.23

24. Activity Source: http://old.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullfilm.aspx
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Activity
Source:
M2.24

25. Lightening Feedback How do you feel after watching the clip?
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Activity
Lightening Feedback
How do you feel after watching the clip?
What is your first impression?
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.25

26. Video: Let‘s fight it together
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Activity
Video: Let‘s fight it together
What forms of cyberbullying were used?
How did Joe feel?
Would you have done something different if you were Joe's mother or father?
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.26

27. Some data about cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Some data about cyberbullying
Cyber- bullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.27

28. Some data about cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Some data about cyberbullying
Source: EU Kids Online report
Add national examples regarding cyberbullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.28

29. Potential consequences
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Impact /
Potential consequences
Cyber- bullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.29

30. Impact of cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Impact of cyberbullying
Poor self-esteem
Feelings of frustration
Anger
Sadness, hopelessness
Loneliness and depression
Inability to concentrate at school
Staying offline
Victims feel suspicious of others
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.30

31. Cyberbullying isn‘t a game
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Impact of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying isn‘t a game
- Examples -
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.31

32. Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Add national examples e.g. hate groups in facebook or national social networks
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.32.

33. Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Add national examples e.g. hate groups in facebook or national social networks
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.33.

34. Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Add national examples e.g. hate groups in facebook or national social networks
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.34

35. Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Add national examples e.g. hate groups in facebook or national social networks
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.35

36. Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Add national examples e.g. hate groups in facebook or national social networks
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.36

37. Coping with cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Coping with cyberbullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.37

38. Coping strategies Cyberbullying
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Coping strategies
(Riebel, Jäger, & Fischer, 2009)
Aggressive coping: e.g., ‘I threaten to beat him/her up’
Helpless coping: e.g., ‘I don't know what to do’
Cognitive coping: Victims try to address the problem themselves, using a diplomatic approach. They attempt to reason with the bully or to understand the bully's motive;
Technical coping: e.g., ‘I switch off my computer’, ‘I change my address or nickname and only give them to people I can trust’, and ‘I show the messages to a grown-up.’
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.38

39. Other coping strategies
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Other coping strategies
Reactive coping
Avoidance
Acceptance
Justification
Seeking social support
Preventive coping
Talk in person
Increased security and awareness
No way to prevent cyberbullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.39

40. Reactive coping Avoidance deleting messages blocking contact
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Reactive coping
Avoidance
deleting messages
blocking contact
ignoring the problem completely
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.40

41. Reactive coping Acceptance
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Reactive coping
Acceptance
accepting cyberbullying as part of life and concentrating on the positive
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.41

42. Reactive coping Justification
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Reactive coping
Justification
The victim focuses on reasons why the cyberbullying should not upset them
These students often felt that cyberbullying should not be taken seriously
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.42

43. Reactive coping Seeking social support looking to others for help
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Reactive coping
Seeking social support
looking to others for help
getting advice from others
asking someone with authority to put a stop to the bullying
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.43

44. Preventive coping Talk in person
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Preventive coping
Talk in person
students talk to someone in person, as opposed to talking in cyberspace
this would help them to avoid misperceptions due to lack of intonation, something which can often occur in cyberspace
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.44

45. Preventive coping Increased security and awareness
Module 2: Introduction to Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Examples
Preventive coping
Increased security and awareness
cyberbullying can be prevented when students take safety precautions (e.g., protect their password)
when students have general awareness about security (e.g., knowing which websites might be unsafe).
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.45

46. Module 2: Introduction to cyberbullying Conclusions
Cyberbullying is a relatively new phenomenon and researchers have yet to reach a consensus on many aspects of this issue.
There are differences and similarities between bullying and cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can be classified in two ways: by the medium/media through which the abuse occurs, (SMS, MMS, phone calls, etc.) and by the nature of the abuse itself (harassment, denigration, impersonation, etc.).
The prevalence of cyber victimization in Europe is estimated to be around 10%.
Cyber victimization has been linked to negative outcomes.
© CyberTraining-4-Parents, 2012
M2.46