Cyberbullying: causes, effects, and prevention strategies

Cyberbullying

Research Protocol

Title of Protocol Primary Investigator -- Vivian H. Wright, Associate professor of instructional technology at the University of Alabama

Co-Investigator -- Joy J. Burnham, Associate professor of counselor education at the University of Alabama

Relevant Background and Purpose -- Cyberbullying has been defined as a bullying through the e-mail, instant messaging, in a chat room, on a website, or through digital messages or images sent to a cell phone (Kowalski, 2007). It has also been described as a traumatic experience that can lead to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social consequences (Carney, 2008). The issue of cyberbullying has received much media attention in the recent past due to several tragic incidences with youths. As access to technology increases so does this new form of bullying. It is important to educate youths and multiple various stakeholders in the lives of youth, including educators and parents, about this problem. The aim of this study is two-fold. It seeks to raise awareness and educate others about the topic of cyberbullying

d. Participant Population -- it has been seen in previous studies that cyberbullying occurs to different degrees with different age groups. According to Beale (2007) there is an increase in cyberbullying in elementary school. It then peaks in middle school. and, then it decreases again in high school. Since, cyberbullying is at its peak in middle school this study seeks the participation of middle school students as the participant population. The middle schools from one school system in southeastern United States will be used to find participants.

e. Materials and Procedures -- the study adapted the Cyberbullying Survey of Li (2007) with permission to make create a survey. The data will then be analyzed using SPSS. Focus groups will then be organized following Morgan's (1988) recommendations for no fewer than 3-4 participants and no more the 12. Transcript analysis will be done using the qualitative content analysis strategy of constant comparative approach. The third phase will be developed within Second Life using avatars developed by students' at the University of Alabama.

f. Design and Methodology -- the procedure was designed in three phases. In the first phase students will be surveyed about cyberbullying. In phase two, two focus groups at two different schools will be formed to further discuss the issue of cyberbullying and its effects. The third phase will utilize the input of students to design cyberbullying simulations in a virtual environment.

g. Potential Benefit -- the potential benefit of this study is to identify means of educating others using the input of the population that is most at risk of cyberbullying. Middle school age students are used to playing interactive video games and a simulation situation is both familiar and less embarrassing for educating youths about cyberbullying. The same scenarios can also be used to teach future educators about cyberbullying and how to address the issue with youths. Simulations are ideal for teachers who may not have access to computers or internet connectivity in the classroom. The scenarios could also be used to educate parents when incidences of cyberbullying arise.

h. Risks -- the safety and anonyminity of the participating students is of central concern for the researchers. All data will be coded to protect identifying information about the participants. The rules and guidelines of the IRB will be adhered to throughout the study. Also, students will be provided with access to school counselors if they become upset or want to talk further about cyberbullying. A virtual environment was chosen to be the safest, best controlled and most ethically sound method in which to examine cyberbullying.

i. Confidentiality -- the identity of the participants will be protected by coding all identifying information. Also, only the primary researchers will be allowed to listen to the original transcripts of the focus groups and after transcription the tapes will be destroyed.

2. Informed Consent Form

a. Statement of Invitation to Participate -- We would like to invite you to participate in a study about cyberbullying. The aim of this study is to raise awareness and educate others about this important and relevant topic.

b. Statement of What Study Will Ask the Participant to Do or Have Done to Him/Her -- This study asks students to participate in a confidential survey about cyberbullying. After the survey, students will have the opportunity to volunteer to participate in a focus group and educational simulation also.

c. Statement of Benefits Derived from Participating in the Study -- This study aims to raise awareness and educate others about the topic of cyberbullying. By participating in this study you will be helping to raise awareness about an important topic of concern to students, parents and educators alike. You will also be helping to develop tools to educate other students, parents and educators.