Psychological Impact of Cyber-Bullying: Implications for School Counsellors

Jennifer Nordahl; Tanya N. Beran; Crystal J Dittrick

Jennifer Nordahl
Tanya N. Beran University of Calgary
Crystal J Dittrick University of Calgary

Keywords: Bullying, Mental Health, School Counselling

Abstract

Cyber-bullying is asignificant problem for children today. This study provides evidence of the psychological impact of cyber-bullying among victimized children ages 10 to 17 years (M = 12.48, SD = 1.79) from 23 urban schools in a western province of Canada (N = 239). Students who were cyber-bullied reported high levels of anxious, externalizing, and depressed feelings/behaviours for all types of cyber-bullying they experienced, with girls reporting more severe impact than boys. Strategies are discussed for school counsellors working with youth who have been victimized through electronic means.

Author Biographies

Jennifer Nordahl

Jennifer Nordahl holds a M.Sc. (School and Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary). Currently she is working on Vancouver Island, British Columbia as a School Psychologist.

Tanya N. Beran, University of Calgary

Dr. Tanya Beran is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary in Community Health Sciences. Her research focuses on bullying, technology, and children.

Crystal J Dittrick, University of Calgary

Crystal Dittrick, M.A., CCC, is currently completing a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on bullying and mental health in children and youth, as well as social emotional learning and school-based intervention and prevention.