Bullying & Cyberbullying: Prevalence, Psychological Impacts & Intervention Strategies (Bullying and Victimization)

Cyberbullying and online victimisation in general are high on the public agenda. As cyber technology continues to evolve, we must consider how best we can support our children and young people in enjoying the benefits that come with the online world, whilst also protecting them from harm. This book provides a timely review and analyses of the international literature on cyberbullying. Beginning with an overview of the evolution of international research to date, the chapters deal with some of the fundamental issues facing researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The authors deal with issues such as how best to define cyberbullying, what we currently know about the prevalence of the behaviour, the role of gender in cyberbullying, and alternative theoretical perspectives. Cross-national research is reviewed with the objective of highlighting the similarities across different nations whilst also emphasising the uniqueness and importance of cultural context when attempting to intervene effectively. Due to the research-evident potential for harm as a consequence of cyberbullying, it is important that we move towards appropriate coping and intervention strategies. Therefore, this book also focuses on effective coping strategies at an individual level and at a societal level, examining issues such as education and legislation in relation to cyberbullying. Furthermore, the contemporary knowledge regarding prevention and intervention is explored, with a number perspectives provided. Ultimately, this book presents a state-of-the-art review of cyberbullying knowledge in 2016 and looks to the future with recommendations for development of theory, research, practice, and policy. About the Author Conor McGuckin has a history of involvement in, and management of, collaborative national and international research projects. Conor is a Visiting Research Fellow of Glyndŵr University (Wales) and acts as an International Expert (Psychology) to Portugal's Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia). Conor convenes the Psychology of Education Research Group and co-convenes the Inclusion in Education and Society (IES) Research Group in the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Conor gained his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Ulster for his research exploring bully/victim problems among Northern Ireland's school pupils. His thesis explored the prevalence of bully/victim problems from a multiple indicator approach, explored differential psychometric measurement issues, and the association between involvement in bully/victim problems and various individual difference variables (e.g., psychological health, physical health, depression, happiness, self-esteem, religiosity, and personality). Conor is a Co-Director and owner of Behavioural Insights Ltd., an innovative and solution focused consultancy that designs and delivers highly effective solutions to those working in the areas of applied psychology, education, and marketing.