Students’ Understanding and Reaction to Cyberbullying

Students’ Understanding and Reaction to Cyberbullying

Students’ Understanding and Reaction to Cyberbullying

According to Holfeld and Grabe (2012), the susceptibility to cyberbullying varies based on “gender, the frequency of internet use, and involvement in traditional bullying” (p. 397). Young people who spend a lot of time on the internet are prone to cyberbullying. Additionally, individuals who were architects of traditional bullying are likely to perpetrate cyberbullying. Currently, there is no accurate information regarding the gender difference amid cyberbullies or victims of cyberbullying. Holfeld and Grabe (2012) allege that the majority of students who are victims of cyberbullying report the incident to their colleagues and parents. Surprisingly, the students do not report the issue to their teachers despite believing that they can be of significant help. Holfeld and Grabe (2012) suppose that one of the reasons why students are reluctant to report the incidence to teachers is their reputation. Students with weak characters at school allege that “teachers may be less likely to believe them when they come forward with critical information” (Holfeld & Grabe, 2012, p. 408).

Cyber Bullying Amid University Students

The majority of the research in cyberbullying focuses on children and youths. Researchers do not pay attention to cyberbullying among university students. Xiao and Wong (2013) maintain that environmental and personal factors contribute to university students engaging in cyberbullying. In line with the social cognitive theory, the researchers allege that Internet self-efficacy contributes to individuals exhibiting cyberbullying characters. University students with experience in how to use the internet are likely to perpetrate cyberbullying. According to Xiao and Wong (2013), the majority of university students who are victims of cyberbullying are vulnerable to perpetuating the vice. Additionally, exposure to violence leads to university students perpetrating cyberbullying and other aggressive behaviors.