Children’s Experiences of Cyberbullying: A Canadian National Study

beran, tanya; mishna, faye; mcinroy, lauren b; shariff, shaheen;

This national study reports the prevalence of cyberbullying among youths in Canada according to demographic characteristics, its impact, and its relationship to six forms of victimization and perpetration. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a national household panel of families living in all Canadian provinces. The sample included 1,001 children ages 10 to 17 years. Frequency and multivariate analyses determined the rate and impact of cyberbullying
as reported by children. Correlation analyses examined the extent to which cyberbullying was related to other types of bullying. Overall, 13.99 percent of children had been cyberbullied once or more in the past month, varying according to gender. Children who were cyberbullied were likely to experience negative outcomes on all eight domains measured. The vast majority who were cyberbullied (94.28 percent) were also targeted through at least one other type of bullying, and over a third (33.57 percent) perpetrated at least one other type of bullying. Approximately one in seven Canadian children between the ages of 10 and 17 years is cyber-victimized, and one in 13 children cyber-perpetrates. These rates are similar across demographic groups, and children who are cyberbullied or cyberbully others are likely to be involved in other forms of bullying. Authors conclude that bullying prevention and management strategies must include children’s cyber experiences.