Psychology 150

Amanda Perry

Cyberbullying and Its Effects on Genders

Stanly Community College

October 10, 2013

Bullying is no new issue in today’s world but thanks to the increase and advancements in technology, adolescents are now being bullied in their own homes. This type of bullying is called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bulling that is carried out using the internet, mobile phone or other electronic device. (Casey, Eoghan. P. 176). It is easier to bully in cyberspace than it is to face to face. Because most cyberbullying is not face to face, the gender balance in bullying might be skewed more towards girls. (Snell, 2010. P. 509). Boys are more likely than girls to externalize their problems and result in face-to-face confrontation, whereas girls are more internalized and result to gossip, spreading rumors, or betraying friendships. (Snell, 2010. P. 508). That would explain why cyber-bullies are predominately females. (Snell, 2010. P. 509).

With Cybercrime being such a great issue affecting adolescents, a survey was given to students at Bridgewater State College in an effort to see what gender trends exist among cyberbullying behaviors. (Snell, 2010. P. 508). This was an online survey composed of 218 questions regarding bullying and cyberbullying behaviors. The questions asked ranged from demographic information, educational background, to their parents’ involvement in their daily online activities. The survey even asked the question as to rather or not the participants had experienced any forms of cyberbullying themselves in the past. Results to the questions revealed that girls more frequently were victimized by online rumors, lies, harassments, and threats than boys were (Snell, 2010. P. 510). The Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) located at Bridgewater State College took the research results from the survey and started student and parent based pilot programs about bullying and cyberbullying awareness. The student programs involved...