Week 9 Article: Cyberbullying Amonng Tween in the United States

Introduction

• Study Goal: Provide key prevalence rates for cyberbullying among tweens (ages 9-12).

• Research Subjects: 1,034 American tweens, mean age 10.52.

• Findings: 1 in 5 tweens experiences cyberbullying as a target, aggressor, or witness, indicating a significant need for further research and support.

Cyberbullying Overview

• Definition: Cyberbullying is defined as willful and repeated harm inflicted through electronic devices.

• Forms of Cyberbullying: Includes harmful social media posts, mean comments during gaming, and hate accounts.

Cyberbullying Statistics

• Teen Research: Previous studies primarily focused on middle and high school students, revealing:

  • 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance: 17.4% to 28.3% of middle schoolers reported cyberbullying experiences.

  • 15.7% of high schoolers reported cyberbullying in the last year.

  • 11% of middle/high schoolers admitted to cyberbullying others in the past month.

• Consequences: Both victims and aggressors suffer academically and psychologically.

Research on Tweens

• Developmental Stage: Tweens experience cognitive growth and identity exploration.

• Peer Influence: Peers become primary influences during this period, amplified by technology access.

• Technology Access: Increased smartphone use among tweens from 15% in 2015 to 70% by age 12 in 2019.

• Research Gap: Limited studies on tweens regarding their cyberbullying experiences, highlighting a need for thorough analysis.

Methodology

• Study Sample: Nationally representative survey of tweens aged 9-12 conducted online by Ipsos with a response rate of 44%.

• Data Collection: Assessed experiences with cyberbullying through reported histories and barriers to helping victims.

Findings on Cyberbullying Experiences

• Device Ownership: 54% own a tablet, 42% a smartphone, 42% a gaming console.

• Cyberbullying Exposure: 21% of tweens have faced cyberbullying in some form.

  • Victimization Rates: 14.5% reported being targets; 3.2% admitted to being aggressors.

  • No significant racial/ethnic differences in victimization.

  • 9-year-olds less likely to experience bullying compared to older tweens.

Impact of Cyberbullying

• Emotional Consequences: 70% of victims reported negative feelings about themselves; 31.9% cited impact on friendships.

• Gender Differences: Girls report higher negative impacts on feelings, friendships, and health compared to boys.

Tween Helping Behaviors

• Intervention Rates: Approximately 66% of tweens who witnessed cyberbullying intervened.

• Barriers to Helping: Lack of knowledge on how to intervene or fear of worsening the situation topped the list of barriers.

Instances of Kindness**

• Examples of helping behavior include reporting the activity, blocking bullies, or standing up for targets. Many tweens expressed happiness in helping others.

Discussion

• Key Takeaway: Significant rates of cyberbullying among tweens necessitate further exploration into emotional and academic impacts.

• Cultural Context: Understanding racial and ethnic impacts on bullying behaviors remains complex.

• Age and Intervention: Younger tweens tend to intervene more, revealing a potential developmental aspect.

• Recommendation: Enhanced education for adults on supportive practices when youths report bullying incidents.

Conclusion

• Current Study's Importance: Findings illustrate the prevalence of cyberbullying among tweens, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and supportive interventions for affected youth.

• Future Directions: Prioritize understanding the complexities surrounding tween cyberbullying behaviors and remedies.