PERCETION OF THE VICTIMS OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS

TO THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

I. INTRODUCTION

Cyber-bullying is when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online or

repeatedly picks on another person through e-mail or text message or when someone posts

something online about another person that they don’t like.

Modern technology is continuously evolving, and in recent times, it has manifested itself

in a very serious social problem, namely cyber bullying. Modern technology is like a double-edged

sword; on one hand it gives us connectivity, on the other it increases emotional stress (Michel,

2011).

As such, young internet users, including students, may be at the mercy of cyber bullies.

The victims, under great emotional stress, are unable to concentrate on their studies, and thus their

academic progress is adversely affected (Juliana, 2010).

Unfortunately little attention is given to this global problem by institutions of higher

learning, teachers, parents and emergency service providers. The depressive effect of cyber

bullying prevents students from excelling in their studies (Lauren, 2011).

Bullying in schools and universities are causing unimaginable problems to students,

parents and to educational institutions. Unfortunately little has been done to help those victims

who are continuously trapped in the name of modernization and digitalization (Watson, 2010).
 Researchers agree that the stressful impact of bullying is escalating with the rapid

expansion of technological advancement (Justin, 2011). Many students who are victims of cyber

bullies suffer silently; they are reluctant to complain to the authorities or their parents owing to the

social stigma attached to victims of bullies (Susan, 2011).

As such, parents, teachers and institutional authorities have to be on the lookout for such

II. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

III. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. What is the physiological effects to the victims of cyberbullying?

2. What is the bad effect of cyberbullying to the academic performance?

3. What way to avoid cyberbullying?

IV. HYPOTHESIS

It takes a village to raise a child, 35 in other words a team effort is required to address

bullying properly. A holistic36 approach would 31These rights are: equality (section 9), human

dignity (section 10), freedom and security of the person (section 12), rights of the child (section

28) and education (section 29).32 Section 28(2) of the Constitution; section 9 of the Children’s

Act 38 of 2005. 33 Bray “Law, Education and the Learner” in Boezaart (ed) Child Law in South
Africa (2009) 456-474 makes the point that the state is a basic provider of public education in

South Africa (in accordance with sections 12(1) and 34(1) of the South African Schools Act).

V. SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY

According to Ybarra and Mitchel (2004), there is a great need to identify youth who have

been involved in negative internet experiences so that effective intervention and prevention

programs can be implemented. Ybarra and Mitchel (2004) stated that, negative internet

experiences such as cyber-bullying can have harmful consequences for youth. For example,

MSNBC (2008) reported a story about a young girl named Megan who was a victim of cyber-

bullying. In October, 2006, Megan a 13-year-old female who battled with depression was found

dead in her bedroom after she became a victim of cyber-bullying and hung herself. As the internet

is becoming increasingly more accessible to more youth, stories such as Megan’s are also

becoming more frequent. This story is similar to the student stories reported in research by

Raskauskas and Stolz (2007) and Patchin and Hinduja (2006), these student stories provides

evidence of how students can be affected by cyber-bullying.

Previous research has demonstrated the effects traditional bullying can have on

adolescents. Such bullying is linked to depression, suicidal ideation and running away from home

(Patchin and Hinduja, 2006). However, less is known about the impact cyber-bullying has on

adolescents, therefore a better understanding of this new form of bullying might help save the next

Megan that falls victim of cyber-bullying.

Since cyber-bullying is a relatively recent phenomenon, there has been very little research

into its characteristics and impacts. In addition, much of the previous research has focused on
middle SES adolescents. Further research investigating cyber-bullying with lower SES adolescents

from a diverse population is need to gain a better understanding of how adolescents are being

affected within these demographic groups.

VI. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

It is important to note the limitations of the current study. One limitation was the use of

self-report surveys which can vulnerable to students misreporting or reporting in a manner that

they feel is socially acceptable. Future research should include focus groups and observation. This

would allow researcher to gain better understanding of what happens when teachers are not

present. This would for some students to verbalize their feels is occurring as far as bullying on

their school campus.

Another limitation in the current study is the relatively small sample size. While this study

included 25 total participants .The percentage of those with prior experience with cyberbullying

was small .With a small number of participants involved in this total study only a small percentage

reported cyberbullying which makes group comparisons questionable. Future research should

include a large population of participants in order to ensure that group comparison are reliable

and valid. Finally, the sample was non –random which limits the generalizability of the findings.

These findings should not be interpreted to represent the experiences of all adolescents.

VII.DEFINATION OF TERMS

For the purpose of clarity, this thesis used the following terms as defined below:
Bullying

Use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to orce him or her to

do what one wants.

Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying has been defined as any willful and repeated harm inflicted on another

person by use of computer, cellphones, and other electronic devices (Hinduja & Patchin, 2008)

Academic Performance
PERCETION OF THE VICTIMS OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS EFFECTS TO THE

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Research Paper Presented by:

Isagunde, Zyragane C.

Pantoja, Jessica H.

Callejo, Sean Daves

Poblete, Christian Lloyd D.

Grade 11-HUMSS

Sir Ronald H. Abesamis