Cyberbullying and young people: behaviours, experiences and resolutions
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Date
2019-11-07
Authors
Dennehy, Rebecca
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Introduction: Cyberbullying is a complex and multifaceted public health issue among young people. Research indicates deleterious effect on the mental health and wellbeing of victims which warrants action to address this issue. Adults do not have first-hand experience of cyberbullying in their youth and so the development of prevention and
intervention strategies can benefit from the engagement of young people’s
perspectives. However, young people’s voices are largely absent from the current
discourse. This thesis aims to explore the nature, causes, and consequences of
cyberbullying from the perspective of young people with a view to informing the
development of evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Methods: The research was framed by the Medical Research Council guidelines for intervention
development. Qualitative and participatory research methods were employed. In the
first instance a systematic review and meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative
studies related to young people’s conceptualisations of cyberbullying was conducted.
Secondly, a rights-based model was developed to facilitate the active involvement of
young people in the research process. A Young Person’s Advisory Group was
purposefully formed to collaborate in the design, conduct, and interpretation of a
qualitative study of young people’s perspectives on cyberbullying as well as in priority
setting for intervention development. Young People’s involvement in the Advisory
Group was evaluated to determine the effectiveness off the model in facilitating
young people’s participation in the research process and the acceptability of the
approach. The co-designed qualitative study comprised focus groups with secondary
school students which were conducted in the school setting. Findings:The meta-ethnography highlighted that the fundamental role of cyber technology in
young people’s lives and the complexity and ambiguity of the cyber world in which they connect are inherent to young people’s conceptualisations of cyberbullying. The
participatory evaluation of young people’s involvement in the research process
indicated that the elements necessary for the effective realisation of young people’s
participation rights were present in this study. Based on their interpretation of
preliminary findings from the qualitative study, Advisory Group Members identified
the non-consensual distribution of nude images and the mental health impact of
cybervictimisation as serious concerns for young people and priorities for
intervention development. Findings indicate that non-consensual distribution
involves a complex process that is produced by, and reinforces, gender power
dynamics. Young males, under pressure to conform to societal constructs of
masculinity, coerce females to send explicit images which are screenshot and
intentionally distributed, without consent, to male peers in exchange for social
kudos. Regarding the mental health impact, cyberbullying was described as more
psychological in nature and impact than traditional bullying with increased
deleterious effect on the mental health and wellbeing of victims. Analysis identified
several barriers which prevent victims from seeking social support and participants’
perception that suicide is a viable escape route for young victims defeated and
entrapped by cybervictimisation. Conclusion:This research makes a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge base in that it privileges youth voice on the nature, causes, and consequences of the phenomenon and highlights young people’s priorities with regard to intervention development. In response to research findings and suggestions from the Young Person’s Advisory Group a number of recommendations are made in relation to research, policy, and practice which are grounded in young people’s experiences, values, and norms.
Description
Keywords
Young Persons Advisory Group , youth involvement , focus groups , Cyberbullying , Young people , Youth mental health , Patient and public involvement , Participatory research , Qualitative , Meta-ethnography , Bullying
Citation
Dennehy, R. 2019. Cyberbullying and young people: behaviours, experiences and resolutions. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.