Bullying & Cyberbullying : Prevalence, Psychological Impacts & Intervention Strategies

Cyberbullying and online victimisation in general are high on the public agenda. As cyber technology continues to evolve, we must consider how best we can support our children and young people in enjoying the benefits that come with the online world, whilst also protecting them from harm. This book provides a timely review and analyses of the international literature on cyberbullying. Beginning with an overview of the evolution of international research to date, the chapters deal with some of the fundamental issues facing researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The authors deal with issues such as how best to define cyberbullying, what we currently know about the prevalence of the behaviour, the role of gender in cyberbullying, and alternative theoretical perspectives. Cross-national research is reviewed with the objective of highlighting the similarities across different nations whilst also emphasising the uniqueness and importance of cultural context when attempting to intervene effectively. Due to the research-evident potential for harm as a consequence of cyberbullying, it is important that we move towards appropriate coping and intervention strategies. Therefore, this book also focuses on effective coping strategies at an individual level and at a societal level, examining issues such as education and legislation in relation to cyberbullying. Furthermore, the contemporary knowledge regarding prevention and intervention is explored, with a number perspectives provided. Ultimately, this book presents a state-of-the-art review of cyberbullying knowledge in 2016 and looks to the future with recommendations for development of theory, research, practice, and policy.