Cyber-bullying: Bullying in the new age

Advances in communication technology have generated an entirely new mode of bullying: cyber-bullying. The damage wreaked by cyber-bullying is easily preserved on the internet and has the potential for greater impact than traditional forms of bullying. Though the media has focused attention on cyber-bullying, quantitative research is lacking. Thus, this study explored the prevalence of cyber-bullying within a state university community. A convenience sample of students, staff and faculty at a large public university completed an anonymous, online survey. Descriptive and exploratory analytical statistics were used to analyze responses. Findings suggest students experienced cyber-bullying significantly more than staff or faculty (Fisher's Exact test for trend p<0.05). During college years, students reported experiencing more cyber-bullying (Fisher's Exact test p<0.05). Thirty percent of students reported experiencing cyber-bullying at a previous institution, whilst 44% reported experiencing cyber-bullying at their current institution. In conclusion, cyber-bullying is a growing concern among college students. Higher prevalence in this younger cohort compared to faculty and staff suggest the potential for rates to reach epidemic proportions as exposure to vehicles of cyber-bulling increase. Further, as methods of communication continually diversify, the opportunities for cyber-bullying are escalating and efforts must be made to combat this new form of bullying. Study recommendations help to fill a gap in the current literature while turning attention to the high rates of cyber-bullying experienced by students. This calls for institutions of higher education to commit to student safety both in the physical and online environments.