Online Bullying among Elementary School Children: Dyadic Perceptions of Children and Parents

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine online bullying among pre-teen elementary school children and compare their knowledge and perceptions with those of their parents. The study included one hundred and twelve participants, fifty-six dyads of parents and their children in grades 4 - 6 in two elementary schools in Israel. The data was gathered through questionnaires, regarding children’s involvement and the parents’ awareness of their involvement in online bullying. Similar questionnaires were given to the children and their parents. It was found that 14.3% of the children reported they had been hurt online, while 34.1% reported they knew someone hurt by online bullying. Compatibility between the children’s reports and that of their parents regarding the different facets of online bullying have revealed gaps between the children and the parents for all facets. These gaps included children reporting that they had been involved as either victims, perpetrators or bystanders, while their parents were unaware of it, and few instances where the parent reported on children’s involvement in online bullying, but the children did not report any involvement. Yet, there were instances in which a full compatibility was found, and the parents were aware of their child’s involvement in online bullying. The study’s findings contribute to understanding, coping and preventing bullying among pre-teens in the virtual space, focusing on parents’ role.