Text-Bullying: Associations With Traditional Bullying and Depression Among New Zealand Adolescents

Abstract

Bullying via mobile phone text messages (text-bullying) is a growing problem in New Zealand. Little research exists on this important issue. This study examined the nature and prevalence of text-bullying among adolescents. A total of 1,530 students ages 11–18 from three schools in New Zealand participated in this research. Students completed anonymous surveys regarding text-bullying, traditional bullying, and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that 43% of students had experienced at least one incident of text-bullying with 23% of the sample experiencing more frequent text-bullying. The majority of victims of text-bullying were also victims of traditional bullying. Students who were victims of both text message and traditional bullying reported more depressive symptoms than those who experienced traditional bullying only and those not involved in bullying.