International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 1491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Developing Awareness Interventions: A Case of Mobile Bullying

by Portia Mathimbi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050774 - 14 May 2025

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Cyberbullying is a pervasive social issue that has gained increasing attention due to its serious consequences, such as cyberbullicide, which is suicide resulting from cyberbullying. Researchers have called for various interventions and the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including psychologists and law enforcement agencies, [...] Read more.

Cyberbullying is a pervasive social issue that has gained increasing attention due to its serious consequences, such as cyberbullicide, which is suicide resulting from cyberbullying. Researchers have called for various interventions and the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including psychologists and law enforcement agencies, to address the problem. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cyberbullying incidents occur on mobile devices, referred to as mobile bullying. Therefore, there is a need to focus intervention efforts on mobile bullying, which is a subset of cyberbullying. The objective of this study was to develop a framework that could guide the creation of an awareness intervention aimed at raising awareness of mobile bullying. Although several meta-analyses have been conducted over the years on intervention effectiveness. There is a gap from the lack of frameworks and requirements to guide the development of awareness interventions. As such, a PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) systematic literature review was conducted to identify the theories that could inform the development of such an intervention. Based on the review, a theoretical framework was developed that incorporated the basic elements identified as guiding principles for the development of awareness interventions. In the same way, theory, specifically SAT was used to inform the development of an instrumental framework for designing context-sensitive awareness interventions, incorporating the basic elements that practitioners can use to develop context-sensitive awareness interventions. The findings from the study indicate that the social context, which encompasses the social issue at hand; available media content; the proximal and distal environments; and the choice of awareness tool, which is informed by the marketing mix (i.e., price, product, people, promotion, and place), affect the reach or distribution of the intervention. The theoretical framework contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject, while the instrumental framework provides a practical approach to building customizable interventions that can be tailored to specific contexts and available resources for awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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12 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Bullying Measures and Initiatives in an Online Setting: Educator Survey

by Eric Landers, Juliann Sergi McBrayer, Summer Pannell, Richard Cleveland, Deidre Daniels and Monika Krah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040480 - 24 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The increased opportunities in virtual schooling offer new opportunities for students but also present new challenges for educators. As virtual enrollment has grown, concerns about student engagement, academic preparedness, and social risks have also grown. Among these concerns is the potential for bullying [...] Read more.

The increased opportunities in virtual schooling offer new opportunities for students but also present new challenges for educators. As virtual enrollment has grown, concerns about student engagement, academic preparedness, and social risks have also grown. Among these concerns is the potential for bullying in online educational settings. While traditional bullying research has been well-documented, studies focusing on bullying within virtual schools remain limited. This study examines teachers’ perceptions of bullying in online schools through a self-reported survey. A total sample of 97 educators from a virtual school was sampled, of which 91% were female. Findings indicate that while physical bullying is rare in the virtual setting, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying are reported by educators. Physical appearance, either body or clothing, was the most reported reason across all types of bullying. Educators reported feeling moderately prepared to identify and respond to these bullying behaviors, but gaps in training and awareness still exist. The study highlights the need for professional development, enhanced digital monitoring, and proactive bullying strategies to fit the virtual learning environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

17 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cyberbullying Victimization and Suicide Attempt Among Adolescents: A Cross-National Comparison

by Meytal Grimland, Yuko Mori, Sigita Lesinskiene, Liping Li, Say How Ong, Samir Kumar Praharaj, Tjhin Wiguna, Zahra Zamani, Emmi Heinonen, Sonja Gilbert, Anat Brunstein Klomek, Andre Sourander and the EACMHS Study Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030385 - 6 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, [...] Read more.

The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, Iran, Indonesia, India, and Lithuania) were collected as part of the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. A total sample of 9892 adolescents aged 13–15 years old (51.9% girls) was analyzed. Generalized estimating equation models with school-wise clusters were conducted. The prevalence of suicide attempts was 4.8%, with higher rates among girls. Cyberbullying victimization only was reported by 5.4% of the participants, while traditional bullying victimization only was reported by 19.2%. The study found that being a victim of combined (both traditional and cyberbullying) had the highest odds of suicide attempt in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Emotional symptoms were identified as a moderator, influencing the association between combined bullying victimization and suicide attempt. These findings highlight the urgent need for global efforts to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying and its detrimental effects on adolescent mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of examining regional risk factors and implementing targeted interventions to address this growing public health concern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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23 pages, 2660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Collisions and Perceptions of Cyberbullying: Comparison of Intergenerational Experiences

by Galina Soldatova, Svetlana Chigarkova and Elena Rasskazova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091148 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2708

Abstract

With regard to negative consequences, cyberbullying is recognized as one of the most traumatic types of cyber aggression. The aim is to study the specific features of adolescents and youth’s cyberbullying experience in the role of an aggressor, victim or bystander, as well [...] Read more.

With regard to negative consequences, cyberbullying is recognized as one of the most traumatic types of cyber aggression. The aim is to study the specific features of adolescents and youth’s cyberbullying experience in the role of an aggressor, victim or bystander, as well as awareness on the part of parents of adolescents. A total of 3395 adolescents, youth and parents filled out specially designed questionnaires. Older adolescents turned out to be at higher risk of cyberbullying. In two-thirds of cases, cyberbullying is related to real-life incidents. Aggressors are motivated by domination and entertainment, primarily employing strategies of social exclusion, harassment and denigration. As victims of cyberbullying, younger adolescents turn to their parents and friends for social support, whereas older adolescents and young adults are more likely turn to their peers. In the role of a bystander, almost half of younger adolescents and about a third of older adolescents and young adults choose the prosocial strategy of protecting a victim. The parents often underestimate the experience of encountering cyberbullying or find it difficult to assess such experience. The identified risk groups and strategies and the lack of parents’ awareness are important to take into account when drawing up cyberbullying prevention programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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11 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Is It Helpful to Get Involved? Adolescents’ Perceptions of Constructive and Aggressive Bystander Support from Friends, Acquaintances, and Public Figures in Cyberbullying

by Karissa Leduc, Megha Pooja Nagar, Oksana Caivano and Victoria Talwar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091142 - 28 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The present study examines adolescents’ perceptions of both constructive and aggressive forms of bystander support and how these perceptions differ according to whether an acquaintance of the target, a friend of the target or a public figure is providing it. Ninety-nine adolescents between [...] Read more.

The present study examines adolescents’ perceptions of both constructive and aggressive forms of bystander support and how these perceptions differ according to whether an acquaintance of the target, a friend of the target or a public figure is providing it. Ninety-nine adolescents between 13 and 17 years old (M_age = 14.42; SD = 1.35) participated in this study. Adolescents viewed a total of nine videos, each depicting a public cyberbullying situation on Instagram and a form of constructive or aggressive bystander support from an acquaintance, a friend, or a public figure in relation to the target of cyberbullying. After each video, adolescents were asked how helpful or hurtful the bystander’s form of support was on a Likert-type scale. A significant relationship was found between the bystander’s relationship to the target, the form of support and the helpfulness of bystander support. Overall, support from friends was perceived as helpful regardless of whether it was constructive or aggressive. Moreover, it was seen as harmful for acquaintances to engage in aggressive behaviours in support of targets of cyberbullying, but generally helpful for public figures to engage in those same behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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15 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations among Cyberbullying Victimization and Chinese and American Adolescents’ Mental Health Issues: The Protective Role of Perceived Parental and Friend Support

by Michelle F. Wright

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081069 - 15 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

Researchers have focused on identifying factors that may mitigate the negative consequences associated with cyberbullying victimization. A significant factor that has received considerable attention is perceived social support from parents and friends and its potential to reduce the risk of cyberbullying victimization and [...] Read more.

Researchers have focused on identifying factors that may mitigate the negative consequences associated with cyberbullying victimization. A significant factor that has received considerable attention is perceived social support from parents and friends and its potential to reduce the risk of cyberbullying victimization and the associated negative mental health issues. However, the buffering effects of perceived social support from parents and friends on the longitudinal relationships among cyberbullying victimization, depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm have been less explored, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. To address this gap, the present study examined the role of perceived social support from parents and friends in buffering against depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm, measured one year later, associated with cyberbullying victimization among 463 Chinese (49% female) and 445 American (52% female) eighth graders (ages 13–15). They completed self-report questionnaires on cyberbullying victimization, perceived social support from parents and friends, and mental health (i.e., depression, subjective health complaints, self-harm). One year later, they completed the same mental health questionnaires. The findings revealed no differences in reports of perceived support from parents, but greater reports of social support from friends for American adolescents when compared to Chinese adolescents. High levels of perceived social support from parents were associated with a stronger negative relationship between cyberbullying victimization, depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm for both Chinese and American adolescents, with these effects being more pronounced for Chinese adolescents, while opposite patterns were found for American adolescents and perceived social support from friends. These results are discussed in the context of cultural values and how these values shape the role of adults in adolescents’ lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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14 pages, 562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Trajectories of Cyber-Aggression among Early Adolescents in Canada: The Impact of Aggression, Gender, and Time Spent Online

by Bowen Xiao, Natasha Parent, Takara Bond, Johanna Sam and Jennifer Shapka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040429 - 1 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine developmental trajectories of cyber-aggression in early adolescence, as well as their relationship with predictive factors related to cyber-aggression (e.g., overt aggression, gender, and time spent online). Participants were 384 adolescents from the Lower Mainland [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to examine developmental trajectories of cyber-aggression in early adolescence, as well as their relationship with predictive factors related to cyber-aggression (e.g., overt aggression, gender, and time spent online). Participants were 384 adolescents from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada who were in grade six and grade seven at Time 1 of the study (192 boys, Mage = 13.62 years, SD = 0.74 year). Three years of longitudinal data on cyber-aggression, overt aggression, and time spent online were collected via online self-report questionnaires. Findings indicated three different trajectories of cyber-aggression: (a) a low-increasing (85.7% of the sample), (b) a stable trajectory (9.3% of the sample), and (c) a high-decreasing trajectory (4.9% of the sample). Adolescents who reported higher scores on overt aggression and spent more time online were more likely to be in the stable or high-decreasing groups. These findings highlight the importance of studying subgroups regarding the developmental course of cyber-aggression in early adolescence. The implications of present study findings give insight into gender differences and overt aggression among youth to inform cyber-aggression intervention and prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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10 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Cyberbullying Perpetration in US Elementary School Children

by Christopher P. Barlett

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156442 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3282

Abstract

Cyberbullying has emerged as a societal issue, and the majority of the research examining cyberbullying perpetration samples adolescent and/or emerging adult populations. A paucity of empirical attention has focused on young children (aged 8–10) regarding their cyberbullying frequency and predictors. The current study [...] Read more.

Cyberbullying has emerged as a societal issue, and the majority of the research examining cyberbullying perpetration samples adolescent and/or emerging adult populations. A paucity of empirical attention has focused on young children (aged 8–10) regarding their cyberbullying frequency and predictors. The current study sampled 142 US youth aged 8–10 years and assessed their cyberbullying perpetration rate and cellular phone ownership. Results indicated that (a) older participants were more likely to cyberbully than their younger peers; (b) higher rates of cyberbullying were found for youth who already owned a cellular phone; and (c) an interaction between participant age and cellular phone ownership was found, suggesting that cyberbullying was highest for only the 10-year-old group who owned a cellular phone. These findings have implications for (a) parents, school administrators, health care providers, and anyone else interested in better understanding the predictors of cyberbullying perpetration; (b) intervention specialists focused on reducing cyberbullying in youth; and (c) a researcher interested in understanding the basic theoretical underpinnings of cyberbullying. Based on these findings, we recommend that (a) cyberbullying interventions be administered to youth as early as elementary school; (b) parents/guardians carefully consider the positive and negative consequences of youth cellular phone usage; and (c) increased communication between youth and parents/guardians concerning youth cellular phone activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)

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