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Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is an increasingly consequential social problem, one that has compelled the interest of social psychologists. Social learning theory is instructive here. We know that people repeat behaviors that lead to rewarding outcomes. By asking what exactly is rewarding the bullying behavior, social psychological research can identify the reasons why cyberbullying persists.

For this Discussion, you will examine what is rewarding adolescent-aged cyberbullying behavior from the perspective of a social psychologist, as well as consider strategies to assist teachers and parents.

Sample Answer

From the perspective of a social psychologist, there are a number of factors that can reward adolescent-aged cyberbullying behavior. These include:

Power and control: Cyberbullies often gain a sense of power and control over their victims by harassing them online. They may feel like they can say or do anything to their victims without fear of consequences. This can be a very rewarding experience for bullies, especially if they have low self-esteem or feel powerless in other areas of their lives.
Social status: Cyberbullies may also be motivated by the desire for social status. They may see cyberbullying as a way to gain popularity or to impress their friends. If other people see them as being “cool” or “tough” for cyberbullying someone, then they are more likely to continue doing it.
Arousal: Cyberbullying can also be a way for bullies to get a thrill. They may enjoy the feeling of excitement and adrenaline that comes from harassing someone online. This can be especially true for bullies who have difficulty feeling emotions in other areas of their lives.

Full Answer Section

Retribution: In some cases, cyberbullying may be a way for bullies to get revenge on someone who has wronged them. For example, if a bully is bullied at school, they may cyberbullying the bully’s sibling or parent online. This can be a way for the bully to feel like they have some control over the situation and to get back at the person who hurt them.

It is important to note that not all cyberbullying is motivated by these factors. In some cases, cyberbullying may be the result of a lack of empathy or understanding of the consequences of one’s actions. However, the factors listed above are some of the most common reasons why adolescents cyberbully.

There are a number of strategies that teachers and parents can use to assist adolescents who are cyberbullying or who are being cyberbullied. These include:

Educating students about cyberbullying: Teachers and parents can educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying and the consequences of their actions. This includes teaching students about the different forms of cyberbullying, the legal implications of cyberbullying, and the importance of reporting cyberbullying to a trusted adult.
Setting clear rules and expectations: Teachers and parents can set clear rules and expectations for students’ online behavior. These rules should be communicated to students and should be enforced consistently.
Monitoring students’ online activity: Teachers and parents can monitor students’ online activity to identify any potential problems. This can be done by checking students’ social media accounts, their text messages, and their internet history.
Providing support to victims: Teachers and parents can provide support to students who are being cyberbullied. This includes offering emotional support, helping students to develop coping mechanisms, and reporting the cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities.
Working with the school community: Teachers and parents can work with the school community to address the issue of cyberbullying. This includes working with school administrators, staff, and students to develop a comprehensive cyberbullying prevention and intervention plan.

By taking these steps, teachers and parents can help to reduce the incidence of cyberbullying and protect adolescents from its harmful effects.

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