EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

TOWARDS THE BEHAVIOR OF THIRD YEAR

COLLEGE OF
ACCOUNTANCY SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITE USERS
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Cyberbullying is another form of bullying that happens through social networking

sites by using cellphones, computers, instant messaging, e-mail, chat rooms, etc. In
which victims are being harassed, threaten or intimidate by someone on facebook,
twitter and other social media accounts. These cases are usually initiated by pre-teens
to teenagers and young adults who have extensive knowledge about the emerging
technology causing the rate of cyberbullying to increase drastically.

In fact, cyberbullying often occur nowadays because of the rapid innovation of

cyberspace. This action causes emotional and psychological problems to the victims; it
can lower their self-esteem, have a suicidal ideation, anger and frustration. This is a
serious problem that can lead to real actions and sometimes cause serious injuries or
loss of life. According to Cyberbullying Research Center, adolescent girls are more likely
experiencing cyberbullying than boys.

This study seeks to investigate how the researchers should treat cyberbullying for
the awareness of all social media users. As this problem becomes more serious, it
might lead to negative effects on the academic performance, anti-social behaviors,
depression, substance use, and delinquency – as it becomes more serious.

Statement of the Problem

People nowadays are more exposed in using social media sites. It is admitted
that social medias are relevant to a person’s life. However, with its importance comes
also its ugly side. It is alarming to think that it’s also a way of promoting bullying cases
online. Teenagers are frequently the victims of this kind of bullying, known as
“cyberbullying”. Thus, it has a lot of implications towards the behavior of individual social
media users.

The purpose of this study aims to give awareness about cyberbullying and to
promote ways on how to lessen it. It also aims to have people, especially the parents of
the victims, to act and not just to disregard it.
Specifically, it will seek to answer the following questions:

1. How may the respondents be described in terms of:

a. age;
b. grade/year level; and
c. gender
2. How often do the respondents use social networking sites?
3. How are social networking sites considered by the respondents to be frequently
used in cyberbullying?
4. What do the respondents consider to be the implications of cyberbullying to the
behavior of the social media users?
5. How does cyberbullying affect the respondents on their regular use of social
networking sites?
6. How do the respondents describe the recommendations on ways to prevent
cyberbullying?

Objective/Hypothesis/Research Question

Objective

The objective of this research is to explore and understand the cyberbullying as

the rate of social media users grows higher and the cyberbullying cases continues to
occur; especially our technology becomes more common and present in almost every
part of our doings. Also, this research aims to provide awareness for the social media
users and promote ways on how to prevent it.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this research are:

1. Pre-teens to teenagers and young adults are more likely to cyberbully on social
media sites than the adults.

2. Cyberbullying victims tend to keep it to themselves than telling it to their parents

or reporting it to the authority.

Research Questions

1. How may the respondents be described in terms of:

 a. age;
b. grade/year level; and
c. gender
2. How often do the respondents use social networking sites?
3. How are social networking sites considered by the respondents to be frequently
used in cyberbullying?
4. What do the respondents consider to be the implications of cyberbullying to the
behavior of the social media users?
5. How does cyberbullying affect the respondents on their regular use of social
networking sites?
6. How do the respondents describe the recommendations on ways to prevent
cyberbullying?

Significance of the Study

The importance of this research is to know how we will deal with cyberbullying,
that it is a serious matter, and something that we should not ignore. As stated in
HighsterMobile.co Blog, "Cyberbullying is worse than what we thought." The important
contribution of this study is where the people will be more knowledgeable about
cyberbullying. It seeks to find possible solution on how the victim would know that they
are being bullied and to know how to handle situations when someone else became the
victim. Specifically, it will provide information to the following:

Cyber-Bully. This research aims to inform someone that he/she are a cyber-bully. The
importance of this study for the cyber-bully is that they would notice their self for being a
psychopath. They don't care for someone and just do what they want to do just to hurt
someone's feeling. A simple way of teasing or having a rude comment on a post of
someone is a sign of being a cyber-bully. And this study would be able to help them to
avoid using technology in a wrong way.

Victim. The main purpose of this study is for the victims of the cyberbullying. This study
seeks to find out how would the victim cope up with this situation. The effects of
cyberbullying to the victim are the most important matter to find out; because some
scenario of being bullied on the cyberspace can lead to a serious problem or worst, it
can lead to a loss of life.

Parents. The parents are the most important people to know if their child is being
bullied or the cyber-bully. Let's admit that the parents are always the last to know about
their child’s situation because often, their child is more comfortable to talk to their
friends about their situation. Parents know that using technology can be used for
projects and assignments. But sometimes it can cause over usage of gadgets because
of lack of supervision. The importance of this study is for the parents to supervise and
monitor their child on using internet.

Teachers/Professors. This research is also important for the teachers/professors

because just like the parents, they should be aware whether or not their students are
being bullied. It will also let them know if they are a victim or a cyber-bully themselves.
And it will also let them be aware of the effects that cyberbullying gives to people so that
they can prevent or lessen it.

Students. This study is also important for the students so that they will know the ways
on how to prevent cyber-bullying, and/or how to help if they know someone who is being
bullied. This research aims to help them help others by taking actions and not just by
ignoring cyberbullying.

Future Researchers. This research is important for the future researchers too because
it will provide them additional information about cyberbullying that they will find useful
when they also conduct their research in the future.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will be limited to 82 College of Accountancy Students of New Era

University for the Academic Year 2017-2018. This study is mostly concerned on the
causes and effects of cyberbullying to the respondents and also to give advices on how
to prevent cyberbullying.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are operational and conceptually defined:

Cyber

Cyberbullying

Cyberspace

Delinquency

Social networking site

Suicidal ideation
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Literature
 According to Belsey (2008) “cyberbullying involves the use of information and
communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by
an individual or group that is intended to harm others”

Local. Gideon (2016) in his study revealed that cyberbullying can actually be worse
than bullying, and it is a moral imperative for us as a nation to seriously deal with this
phenomenon as it can take a heavy toll on individuals—specially the youth—and our
society. First of all, what makes cyberbullying worse is that there is no place to hide. For
kids who get bullied in school, bullying ends as soon as they’ve taken the ride home.
But in cyberbullying, even at home, with our 24/7 Internet connectivity, victims can see
hateful words as long as they are awake. You can say that they can simply deactivate
their social media accounts, but in this age where the Internet means a lot of things—
from communicating with friends to playing games—specially for young people, the
mere act of having to deactivate one’s account is part of the damage done. Secondly,
with cyberbullying, your being bullied is exposed to so many people, making the burden
of it even heavier. For obvious reasons, kids are embarrassed to tell their parents that
they’re being bullied in school. But in cyberbullying all the insults hurled at them are
exposed to all their social circles, never mind the general public. Finally, the nature of
the Internet makes it much easier for people to say hurtful words —not just because
they are protected by anonymity and distance, but because they don’t get to see the
emotional toll they inflict on the people they’re bullying. In school, if someone is already
crying and screaming, the bullies will (usually) stop the punches. The problem with the
Internet, however, is not just that it has become so easy to hurt people, but that you
don’t even realize that you’re hurting them.
As stated by Andaya, Cyber-bullying is one such problem that the advancement
in technology and social media has generated. It can potentially affect not only school-
aged children, but also any individual who has access to a mobile phone or the internet.
The onset of the Internet has shattered world barriers empowering users with immense
information and allowed them to be socially connected to virtually anybody around the
globe in the comfort of their own homes. Because of the anonymity that the Internet
gives, social and moral norms are easily switched off and users are emboldened to just
say or post anything online without accountability. As a result, “Internet bashing” has
become a culture among Internet users and even spawned problems that involve
hostility and aggression.

Foreign. The use of social networking sites are so much important especially for the
modern era youths whom uses it as a means of communication and academically-
based purposes. But the disadvantage of engaging so much in using social networking
sites, is it can be used as way of producing bullying online which causes individuals to
change their behaviors. Shariff (2008) states that “when we define a behavior, it is
important to remember it as an action that takes place in a particular context, at a
particular time, with various influences operating on the individuals who take the action”
(p. 29). This is particularly applicable to the issue of cyberbullying. In order for any
cyberbullying policy to be established and effectively implemented by school systems,
members must recognize and address issues related to cyberbullying without alienating
those we are trying to reach – the youth.
Definitions of cyberbullying should “illustrate the forms it takes, the tools that are used to
engage in it, and ways in which it is understood to differ from traditional bullying”
(Shariff, 2008. p.29). Between the years of 2001 and 2003, two individuals have been
credited with coining the term cyberbullying: Canadian school teacher, Bill Belsey
(2008), who is also accredited with establishing the first online site pertaining to
cyberbullying, cyberbullying.org., and American Lawyer, Nancy Willard (2003). Belsey
(2008) says “cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication
technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or
group that is intended to harm others” (p.1).

Willard (2003) originally defined cyberbullying as language that is “defamatory,

constitutes bullying, harassment, or discrimination, discloses personal information, or
contains offensive, vulgar or derogatory comments” (p.66). While this outlined the form
of the language, it did not define the tools that that were used for engagement or how it
differs from traditional bullying. Willard (2007) has since then redefined cyberbullying as
being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms
of social cruelty using the Internet or other digital technologies, such as cellphones.
Young people may be the target of cyberbullying from others or may engage in such
harmful behavior. Direct cyberbullying involves repeatedly sending offensive messages.
More indirect forms of cyberbullying include disseminating denigrating materials or
sensitive personal information or impersonating someone to cause harm (p.10).

Willard (2007) also believes that the terms Internet and online are interchangeable
when speaking about cyber issues as “it is getting pretty hard to define where the
Internet begins and where it ends... (I consider) these to be expansive terms that
encompass all of the current and emerging information and communication
technologies” (p. xii). The conceptualization of cyberbullying as defined by Belsey and
Willard has been used to guide the emergence of cyber research and policy; their
definitions, ideas, and studies have been the building blocks for current research
(Hinduja&Patchin, 2008, Shariff 2008, & Trolley, Hanel, & Shields, 2006). However,
while their definitions are comprehensive, one component is missing that is needed for
the purpose of this review – the ages of those involved. This literature review will focus
on cyberbullying of senior high school students and the imperative that school systems
have to respond.

Studies

Local. Cyber bullying according to Hardcastle (2011) “is a form of harassment that
occurs via the Internet that may include vicious forum posts, name calling inchat rooms,
posting fake profiles on web sites, and mean or cruel email messages”. Cyber bullying
unlike other cyber abuses occur among young people. Cyberbullying happens when
both the victim and the perpetrator are underage. When an adult is involved, cyber
bullying may escalate to a more serious act called as cyber-harassment or cyber-
stalking, a crime that can have legal consequences and involve jail time (What is
cyberbullying? 2011). Chait (2006) explained that unlike the traditional form of bullying
where the bullies attack their victims face to face, perpetrators of cyberbullying have the
capability to use all types of communications technologies to attack others deliberately
and repetitively. Such communication technologies include e-mail, short messaging
system (SMS) or instant messaging, chat rooms, bash board, and social networking
sites. These communication technologies are collectively known as social media.

Foreign. Most studies on suicidal behaviors have findings from a psychologic,

sociologic and a cultural point of view, and present statistics that could explain why
people commit suicide. However, Trautman’s concern is not why people attempt to
commit suicide, but rather what goes through their minds, what lead them to the act and
what overpowers the instinct of self-preservation and the fear of death.

Varieties of impact (On the bully): Cyberbullying is associated with hyperactive behavior,
conduct problems, and less prosocial peer group behavior (von Marees&Petermann,
2012). Cyberbullies are more likely to report illicit substance use and participation in
delinquent behaviour (Hinduja&Patchin, 2008; Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004).Campbell, Slee,
Spears, Butler, and Kift (2013) found that cyberbullies had higher rates of social
difficulties, stress, depression, and anxiety than youths uninvolved in bullying. Middle
and high school students have recommended the development of programs to teach
about cyberbullying and its effects (Cassidy et at., 2011). In a related study (Cassidy,
Brown, & Jackson, 2012a), parents also strongly recommended that school personnel
develop lessons on cyberbullying and its effects and that students be given the
opportunity to engage with the issues through discussion. Additionally, the curriculum
should include an emphasis on fostering empathy and positive self-esteem. Positive
bystander behavior should be taught and reinforced (Agatston et al., 2012). Jager et al.
(2010) suggest that a training manual for educators include information about the basics
of cyberbullying, information about training skills and strategies for diagnosis and
intervention, and multimedia resources. It is recommended that schools find ways to
make reporting easier (Agatston et al., 2012; Marczak& Coyne, 2010). Youth are more
inclined to report to adults in schools with a positive climate (Hinduja&Patchin, 2012b).
Patchin (2012) states that parents should be involved and receive training alongside
educators to be able to work collaboratively with school personnel and their children to
find effective solutions. Psychological service providers must inform themselves about
the issues youth face in relation to cyberbullying and consult with parents, staff, and
other care-takers. Hinduja and Patchin (2012b) suggest that cyberbullying can be
reduced through measures aimed at improving school climate such as learning
students' names so they do not feel anonymous, community-building through
recognizing and rewarding good behavior, staying technologically-contemporary to
know what students are interested in, setting and communicating clear limits,
encouraging student participation in decision-making, and encouraging reporting of
inappropriate behaviors. Peer-led interventions have been found to be effective,
especially when the peers receive extensive training (Agatston et al., 2012; Cross,
Campbell, & Spears, 2012a; Menesini&Nocentini, 2012; Van Kaenel-Flatt& Douglas,
2012).
RELEVANCE OF LITERATURE AND STUDIES REVIEWED

Studies and other related literature conducted by both local and foreign
researchers has a great part in continuing this research. The relevance of these
studies is it will help and serve as a reference particularly to the topic “Effects of
cyberbullying and its implications towards the behavior of third year College of
Accountancy social networking site users”. This research topic aims to attain the
result about the implications to the behavior of Third year Accounting students
which was studied before by the previous researchers. Some of the related
literature and studies that was published after finishing their research focused on
the cyberbullying that causes students in changing their behaviors. It was cited in
the related literature to which William (2003) stated that cyberbullying is a form of
harassment that happens online by means of words and others. The victims,
which refers to the users of social networking sites and the millennial students
nowadays whose exposure in using internet is severe, are those whose behavior
is rapidly changing effect of being bullied. Considering other research with
almost the same topic is a great help in conducting research because of the
information they have that will make this work easier. Pursuing this research
topic can serve as a guide for the future researchers that will chooses to study
with the same issue. Previous literature and studies made is a basis for datas that
will added up to the researchers knowledge for more relevant and reliable
informations and results.

THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
 Social
Networking Sites
Often Used
Social Networking
Ways to Prevent Sites Used for
Cyberbullying Cyberbullying

COLLEGE OF
ACCOUNTANCY

Respondents’ Profile:
Implications of
Age Cyberbullying
Strand
Gender

(INPUT)
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES USED IN
CYBERBULLYING

(PROCESS)
SURVEY, INTERVIEW, ASSESSMENT

(OUTPUT)
EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING

METHODOLOGY
Participant/Respondent

The participants/respondents of this study will be ___ College of Accountancy

students of New Era University who are often engaged with the online world. In addition,
the respondents’ information will be treated with confidentiality; the information will not
be used for any other purposes than for this study, it will be kept for no longer than is
absolutely necessary, and it will be kept safe and secure.

Experimental/Research Design

The research design intends to give data and information in an explanatory manner
in order to give qualitative results. This can be done in way of constructing of questions
to be asked. This is followed by performing the survey and conducting the interview,
then data will be gathered, analyzed and be presented for the finalization.

Constructing Performing Collecting of Analyzation Presentation

of Questions of Survey Data of Data of Study
Sample Size, Effect Size, Power

Material/Equipment/Instrumentation/Survey Questionnaire (DRAFT OF SURVEY)

 The following instruments are to be used in collecting data on the effects of
cyberbullying and its implications towards the behavior of the respondents in order to
make the study effective.

Questionnaire
The questionnaire will be used in order to collect information from the respondents in
way of their answers in the questions given in the questionnaire. Using a questionnaire
would be as detailed and dependable as possible in order to acquire answers that will
make the gathering of data easy and helpful.

Construction. The questionnaire is constructed in way of organizing questions that

could easily be collected from the respondents. The questions given are connected to
the research in which the information to be collected could help the beneficiaries stated
in chapter 1. It has two parts: one is for the personal information of the respondent and
the other one is the questions with multiple choices.

Validation. The questionnaire is to be checked by the research adviser in order to

identify if the questions to be answered by the respondents are understandable and are
within the scope of the study.

Administration and Retrieval. The questionnaire will be given out to the

respondents in order for them to answer the given questions. It will be gathered after a
maximum of two days in order to examine and understand the results and findings from
the answers of the respondents.

Interview
An interview is to be performed in order to collect personal experiences and own
ways to prevent cyberbullying used by the respondents.

Construction. A list of questions is to be arranged by the interviewer for the

interviewee or the respondent to answer.
 Validation. Questions to be arranged and asked are to be inspected by the research
adviser in order to know if it is dependable.

Administration and Retrieval. A one-on-one interview will be carry out in some of

the respondents and the information collected will be examine and understand.

Data Gathering/Randomization

The researchers will use Stratified Random Sampling to determine the number of
respondents for this study. With a total of two hundred twenty College of Accountancy
students and a confidence level of 90% (10% margin of error), the researchers came up
with 80 respondents.

As defined by Stratified Random Sampling, the process of choosing the

participants is unbiased and its respondents are determined through strata or groups.
The researchers have decided to distribute the population according to their year levels
and determined the need to have 32 first year students, 25 second year students, 11
third year students and 12 fourth year students as respondents. The questionnaire will
be distributed at the time the participants are available – guaranteed no classes will be
disturbed by this study.

Data Analysis/Statistical Technique

The researchers will use Frequency and Percentage distribution in order to

determine the percentage of the respondents’ profile.

Where:
% = Percent
f = Frequency
N = Number of cases

The researchers will also use Mean in order to get average or central value.
 Where:
X = Mean
∑x = sum of all scores
N = number of cases

BUDGETARY REQUIREMENT
TIMETABLE
 Weeks
Activities 1 1 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 1 2

Choose a topic

Acceptance of the topic

Proposed Title

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Objective/Hypothesis

Research Questions

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Relevance of Literature and Related

Studies

Research Methodology

Data Gathering

Analysis of Data

BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10926771003788979

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782915000251

www.Research/Cyberbullying.Its.nature.and.impact.in.secondary.school

https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/viewFile/1245/617