You’re not anonymous online: The development and validation of a new cyberbullying intervention curriculum.

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a pervasive phenomenon that leads to a variety of damaging psychological consequences for its victims. Myriad theoretical frameworks, including the Barlett Gentile Cyberbullying Model, have emphasized the role of online anonymity perceptions in predicting cyberbullying behavior.In the present study, we implemented a theory-based video intervention program designed to challenge college students' anonymity perceptions to reduce subsequent cyberbullying. Then, we examined their cyberbullying behavior and attitudes longitudinally at points before the intervention (Wave 1), immediately after it (Wave 2), and 2 months later (Wave 3). The results suggest that our intervention was successful, as there was a significant reduction in anonymity perceptions and toxic online disinhibition from Wave 1 to Wave 2 in the intervention group. Also consistent with our theoretical framework, we found that anonymity perceptions at Wave 2 significantly mediated the relationship between intervention group and Wave 3 cyberbullying perpetration. Further research is needed to study this approach in the context of younger children. Public Policy Relevance StatementThe objective of the current study is to design a new anonymity-focused intervention aimed at reducing cyberbullying perpetration. Results showed that those in our intervention had declines in their anonymity perceptions immediately after the intervention training, which led to a decrease in cyberbullying perpetration afterward. Overall, our intervention was successful at reducing anonymity, which has positive impacts on the reduction of cyberbullying perpetration.

Theoretically Predicting Cyberbullying Perpetration in Youth With the BGCM: Unique Challenges and Promising Research Opportunities

“…First, as already discussed, there is preliminary evidence that BGCM tenets apply to youth. Second, research has shown that an intervention that teaches individuals that they are not as anonymous as they believe can reduce anonymity perceptions, which causes changes in cyberbullying perpetration 2 months later in emerging adults (Barlett et al, 2020 ). Therefore, an intervention that incorporates BGCM postulates should help to reduce cyberbullying perpetration through a reduction in either anonymity perceptions, BIMOB, and/or cyberbullying attitudes.…”

Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Aggression Among College Students: Examining the Roles of Cyber Intimate Partner Aggression and Alcohol Use

“…Cyber sexual IPA victimization may have particularly long-lasting consequences as messages and photographs can be saved and posted to larger audiences on the internet. To target cyber IPA specifically, programs could adapt existing cyberbullying interventions, which have been found to reduce rates of online perpetration and victimization by addressing inaccurate perceptions of anonymity, online disinhibition, and building virtual communication skills (Barlett et al, 2019;Gaffney et al, 2019;Palladino et al, 2016). Because of the co-occurrence between cyber and in-person IPA, these programs may be most effective when incorporated as part of in-person violence prevention to reduce risk for cyber and in-person IPA simultaneously.…”

Bystander Roles in Cyberbullying: A Mini-Review of Who, How Many, and Why

“…Cyberbullying can be defined as a form of intentional harassment that is directed at a particular person, carried out through electronic and digital means and produced by an imbalance of power associated with greater development of technical skills when using the internet (Smith et al, 2013;Olweus and Limber, 2018). Additionally, anonymity is considered a significant risk factor in this phenomenon (Barlett et al, 2016(Barlett et al, , 2020. On the other hand, cyberbullying is considered a social phenomenon that can negatively affect victims, aggressors, and bully/victims, significantly increasing the risk of suicide (DeSmet et al, 2014(DeSmet et al, , 2019Hellfeldt et al, 2020;Kim et al, 2020).…”