Article Review – “Cyberbullying: Its Social and Psychological Harms Among Schoolers”

 

The 2021 article examines the emotional and social impact of cyberbullying on students between the ages of 12 and 18. Published in the International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, the study explores how emotional support from adults and peers can influence the outcomes of cyberbullying. This research ties into social science fields like sociology, psychology, and criminology, as it looks at how relationships and support systems affect the psychological effects of online victimization.

The authors focus on whether emotional support helps reduce the negative effects of cyberbullying. Using data from the 2011 and 2013 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), they look at how often students experienced cyberbullying and how supported they felt by adults and peers. They analyzed whether the support they received reduced negative outcomes, such as sadness, social withdrawal, or poor academic performance. The results show that both adult and peer support were helpful, but adult support had a stronger effect in reducing harm.

This research aligns with several theories covered in our class modules. One example is the Strain Theory, which suggests that cyberbullying introduces emotional strain that can affect behavior and academic success. A different perspective is that negative emotions can lead to strain and then result in cyberbullying. Another relevant theory is the Routine Activity Theory, which suggests that being online more often might increase exposure to victimization if there is not adequate supervision. Online environments often lack the same level of supervision and intervention as the offline world. 

The article does not explore race, gender, or socioeconomic factors in depth, but it highlights the importance of access to emotional support. Students who lack this support at home or in school may be more vulnerable to the psychological consequences of cyberbullying.

In conclusion, the study offers important insights into how emotional support, particularly from adults, can help mitigate the effects of cyberbullying. These findings are pertinent for both parents and educators who want to create environments where students feel safe and supported. 

 

Reference

Lim, H., & Lee, H. (2021). Cyberbullying: Its Social and Psychological Harms Among Schoolers,
International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, 4(1), 25-45. https://www.doi.org/
10.52306/04010321KNSZ7360