When we envision bullies, the classic image of a group of robust boys on a school playground comes to mind, surrounding and taunting a classmate who appears weaker or different. This could be due to their unique clothing style, lack of athleticism, or simply being a favorite of the teachers.
Conversely, when it comes to cyberbullying, many tend to think of adolescent girls who frequently engage online, often in immature or unmonitored ways. This can lead to inadvertent teasing among peers—mocking a girl’s outfit, hairstyle, or friendships, for instance.
However, recent research challenges the notion that boys are predominantly bullies in physical settings while girls take to online harassment. A study conducted by the think tank Demos, which examined the online behaviors of teens aged 16 to 18, found that a significant portion of cyberbullying is actually perpetrated by males. Specifically, 32% of boys admitted to insulting or bullying someone online, compared to only 22% of girls, and an alarming 22% of boys reported trolling public figures, as opposed to just 10% of girls.
What’s driving this behavior? Researchers speculate that many of the teens who reported cyberbullying did so not out of malice, but rather as a reaction to being bullied themselves. They may feel compelled to respond aggressively when they see their friends being insulted online, leading to a vicious cycle of retaliation. This suggests that some boys may view themselves as “knights in shining armor” defending their friends, albeit through harmful means.
Yet, it’s crucial to highlight a more positive takeaway from the study. A substantial 88% of participants indicated that they had provided emotional support to friends on social media, and over half had engaged in discussions about political or social issues they care about. While trolling is a serious concern, social media also offers teens opportunities to express empathy and courage in standing up for others.
The study also explored personality traits associated with bullying behavior, revealing that teens with lower levels of empathy, self-control, civic responsibility, and moral sensitivity were more likely to engage in online bullying. Other research supports this claim, suggesting that a lack of empathy may be a key characteristic of cyberbullies, as aggressive behavior tends to be linked more closely with boys. Interestingly, these cyberbullies often express a heightened fear of becoming victims themselves.
So, how can parents and educators instill empathy in youth to combat bullying? Experts recommend that empathy and compassion education should begin early, ideally in elementary school, to prepare children for responsible online behavior before they even get their hands on smartphones. This proactive approach could help reduce the chances of them acting out negatively online.
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In summary, the landscape of cyberbullying is more complex than previously thought, with boys taking a leading role in this online aggression. Early intervention through empathy education could pave the way for healthier online interactions among youth.
Keyphrase: boys and cyberbullying
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