What Is Cyberbullying?

Abstract

Children and adolescents spend a great deal of time using and interacting through electronic technologies, including cell phones, gaming consoles, and the internet. Cyberbullying occurs through electronic technologies, including gaming consoles, email, instant messaging, chatrooms, social media, and text messages via mobile phones. The attention given to cyberbullying incidences are due to the nature of electronic communications. Through electronic technologies, children and adolescents can remain anonymous, allowing them to harm their victims without experiencing repercussions. Cyberbullying can also involve multiple bystanders who are also capable of resharing content. The literature in this chapter draws on research from various disciplines, including communication, computer science, education, media studies, psychology, social work, and sociology. Furthermore, the literature involves a variety of different research designs, including cross-sectional and longitudinal methodologies as well as qualitative and quantitative designs.