An Irish investigation into the factors affecting bystander intervention to cyberbullying among adolescents
Authors
Egan, Michelle
Issue Date
2012
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Cyberbullying is a growing and significant problem in the technological societies of today which has significant effects on adolescent victims, such as increased anxiety, depression and suicide ideation. The importance of bystander intervention is recognised as playing a significant role in reducing levels of cyberbullying due to the public nature of some forms of cyberbullying. The current research project examined factors affecting bystander intervention to cyberbullying. Three hypotheses were directly tested: (1) Female bystanders to cyberbullying will be more likely to report or intervene in the cyberbullying than males. (2) Bystanders with higher levels of self-esteem will be more likely to report or intervene in the cyberbullying than bystanders with lower levels of self-esteem and (3) Bystanders with higher levels of altruism will be more likely to report or intervene in the cyberbullying than bystanders with lower levels of altruism. All three hypotheses were accepted. This study focuses on understanding factors affecting bystander intervention, as by increasing reporting levels, cyberbullying levels can ultimately be reduced. School and family support was recognised as playing a role in increasing bystander intervention. Author keywords: Cyberbullying, bullying, bystanders, gender, self-esteem, altruism