School Social Workers' Perceptions of Cyberbullying

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Bibliographic Details
Title: School Social Workers' Perceptions of Cyberbullying
Language: English
Authors: Slovak, Karen, Singer, Jonathan B.
Source: Children & Schools. Jan 2011 33(1):5-16.
Availability: National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 750 First Street NE Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-227-3590; e-mail: press@naswdc.org; Web site: http://www.naswpress.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Elementary Secondary Education
High Schools
Middle Schools
Descriptors: School Social Workers, Attitudes, Differences, Bullying, Internet, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
ISSN: 1532-8759
Abstract: Although cyberbullying is a growing concern among students, parents, and school personnel, there has been little research exploring school social workers (SSWs) at the elementary, middle, and high school levels about their perceptions of the seriousness and pervasiveness of this issue as well as their responses to it. Data for this study came from a survey of SSWs (N = 399) who were members of the 11-state Midwest School Social Work Council at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Results indicate that SSWs at all levels believed that cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, including suicide, and should be addressed by SSWs. However, nearly half of respondents believed they were not equipped to deal with cyberbullying. Multivariate analysis of variance with post-hoc comparisons suggested significant differences at the school level in reports of seriousness and pervasiveness of cyberbullying. Middle school SSWs' reports of seriousness were significantly higher than those of elementary SSWs. Pervasiveness of cyberbullying was reported to be significantly lower at the elementary level than at middle and high school levels. Among SSWs at all three levels, there were no significant differences in perceptions of responses to this issue. Implications for school social work are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2011
Access URL: https://caliban.naswpressonline.org/vl=55873637/cl=11/nw=1/rpsv/cw/nasw/01627961/v33n1/s2/p5
Accession Number: EJ912594
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Although cyberbullying is a growing concern among students, parents, and school personnel, there has been little research exploring school social workers (SSWs) at the elementary, middle, and high school levels about their perceptions of the seriousness and pervasiveness of this issue as well as their responses to it. Data for this study came from a survey of SSWs (N = 399) who were members of the 11-state Midwest School Social Work Council at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Results indicate that SSWs at all levels believed that cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, including suicide, and should be addressed by SSWs. However, nearly half of respondents believed they were not equipped to deal with cyberbullying. Multivariate analysis of variance with post-hoc comparisons suggested significant differences at the school level in reports of seriousness and pervasiveness of cyberbullying. Middle school SSWs' reports of seriousness were significantly higher than those of elementary SSWs. Pervasiveness of cyberbullying was reported to be significantly lower at the elementary level than at middle and high school levels. Among SSWs at all three levels, there were no significant differences in perceptions of responses to this issue. Implications for school social work are discussed.
ISSN:1532-8759