Young People Think Cyberbullying Is More Likely To Happen To Their Friends

Majority of young women think that there are groups of people more prone to cyberbullying. Interestingly, they believe that they are not the more risky ones. A study shows that compared to men, women are more highly to have this perception.

The study conducted by Dr Lucy Betts and Sondos Metwally from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) involved a survey of 109 sixth form students, consisting of 63 females and 46 males aged 16-18 years. In the survey, the participants were screened for their vulnerability to cyberbullying. This included both their general perception regarding their feelings of vulnerability and in comparison to other people.

The results of the survey revealed that the students perceived themselves to have lesser chances of cyberbullying compared to their friends, classmates, stangers and junior students. The researchers also discovered that the highet risk of cyberbullying are directed towards the younger students. In addition, girls perceived the vulnerabilty risks more than boys.

"Our findings suggest that whilst young people are aware of the potential risks associated with cyberbullying they believe that they are less likely to experience cyberbullying than their peers," Betts said. “This unrealistic perception of invulnerability appears to lead many to think it is something that happens to other people.”

Nonetheless, it may be imperative to continuously implement interventions that can help stop cyberbullying. This is because the prevalence rates of cyberbullying in other studies are very high, ranging between 7-70 percent. The measures against cyberbullying will not only raise awareness amongst young people, but also help them completely acknowledge than this could actually happen to them, Betts closed.

To contact the writer, email rinadoctor00@gmail.com