Middle School Students' Experiences with Cyberbullying and Perspectives Toward Prevention and Bystander Intervention in Schools.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Biernesser, Candice; Ohmer, Mary; Nelson, Lisa; Mann, Elizabeth; Farzan, Rosta; Schwanke, Beth; Radovic, Ana
- Source
- Journal of School Violence. Jul-Sep2023, Vol. 22 Issue 3, p339-352. 14p. 1 Diagram.
- Subject
- *PREVENTION of cyberbullying
*PREVENTION of school violence
*FRIENDSHIP
*SIBLINGS
*AFFINITY groups
*TEACHER-student relationships
*SCHOOL mental health services
*FOCUS groups
*MIDDLE school students
*INTERNET
*MEDICAL care
*EXPERIENCE
*SOUND recordings
*FIELD notes (Science)
*RESEARCH funding
*STUDENT attitudes
*CONTENT analysis
*JUDGMENT sampling
*THEMATIC analysis
*PARENT-child relationships
*FAMILY relations
- Language
- ISSN
- 1538-8220
Cyberbullying is a growing problem for middle school students. Bystander interventions that train witnesses to positively intervene can prevent cyberbullying. Through six focus groups, we explored forty-six middle school students' experiences with cyberbullying and opportunities for school-based prevention programs to encourage positive bystander behavior. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Students viewed cyberbullying as an important problem with significant consequences. They noted hesitancy in reporting to parents and school personnel and felt more comfortable discussing cyberbullying with a near-peer (e.g. older sibling or friend). Students desired combining school-based and online programming with near-peer mentorship. This study suggests need for targeted prevention programs that center middle school students' lived experiences with cyberbullying and their preferences for learning and utilizing positive bystander strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]