When we envision bullies, we often picture groups of larger boys on a school playground, surrounding a classmate who might be smaller or different in some way—perhaps due to their style of dress, physical appearance, or academic interests. Conversely, when we think of cyberbullying, we typically associate it with adolescent girls, who may have a more active online presence that could lead to immature or unmonitored behavior. This often results in unwitting bullying, such as making jokes about a peer’s outfit or hairstyle.
However, a recent study challenges the conventional belief that boys are more prone to physical bullying while girls dominate the online space. Research conducted by the think tank Insight Group found that a significant portion of cyberbullying is perpetrated by males. The findings revealed that 32% of boys compared to only 22% of girls admitted to insulting or bullying someone online, and males were more than twice as likely to have “trolled” a public figure (22% of boys vs. 10% of girls).
So what explains this trend? Researchers suggest that many teens who admitted to cyberbullying felt compelled to act aggressively because they were “drawn into cyberbullying.” They recognize that their peers are witnessing the bullying or insults online, which may pressure them to retaliate or respond in kind. This suggests that some instances of cyberbullying may stem from a desire to defend oneself or a friend rather than pure malice.
Before we point fingers at boys glued to their screens, it’s crucial to acknowledge some encouraging statistics from the same study. A remarkable 88% of participants reported offering emotional support to friends on social media, and half stated they had shared or posted about a cause they care about. Rather than simply engaging in trolling behavior, social media can also empower teens to exhibit empathy and courage when defending their friends.
The study also explored personality traits that encourage bullying behavior. The results indicated that teens who reported lower levels of empathy, self-control, civic responsibility, and moral sensitivity were more likely to engage in online bullying. This aligns with other research indicating that a lack of empathy is often associated with cyberbullying, especially since aggressive behavior may be more prevalent among boys due to biological factors. Interestingly, these studies also suggest that cyberbullies often harbor a heightened fear of becoming victims themselves.
To combat this troubling behavior, parents, educators, and other youth advocates must instill empathy in young people from an early age. Researchers advocate for the integration of character-building and empathy-based curricula in schools, starting in elementary grades. By doing so, children will be better prepared to navigate online interactions responsibly, reducing the likelihood of engaging in harmful behavior behind a screen.
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In summary, while boys are more commonly involved in cyberbullying than girls, the motivations behind their actions often relate to social dynamics and a desire to defend themselves or their peers. Fostering empathy and responsible online behavior from a young age will be essential in curbing this trend.