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Reference: Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2022). Bias - Based Cyberbullying Among Early Adolescents: Associations With Cognitive and Affective Empathy. The Journal of Early Adolescence , 42 (9), 1204 - 1235. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316221088757

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The term cyberbullying means repeatedly harassing , mistreating , or ma king fun of others while using electronic devices. Bias - based cyberbullying means repeatedly hurting or harassing someone online because of their identity, like their race, ethnic group, or religion. How widespread is this cyberbullying among adolescents? Researchers asked a national sample of over 1,600 adolescents, ages 12 - 15 years old, various questions about cyberbullying, and cyberbullying based on race or religion in the last 30 days. Participants were also assessed on their cognitive empathy (that is, being able to place themselves in other people’s “shoes,” to understand their feelings). Results? Approximately 80% of adolescents report being cyberbullied in the past 30 days, 8% cyberbullied others, of which 5% cyberbullied others due to race. Male youth are significantly more likely than female youth to participate in all forms of cyberbullying. However, older youth, especially 14 yr. olds, are more likely to cyberbully based on characteristics such as race or religion. Adolescents with more cognitive empathy are less likely to cyberbully others , and specifically less likely to cyberbully based on others’ race or religion. Parents, teachers, and schools! Let’s teach cognitive empathy to adolescents and reduce cyberbullying!

Written by Kristin M . Harris, Ph.D.