Profile of the Victim of Cyberbullying

Cyberbully victims are often depressed, worried, unhappy, and fearful

Boys and girls are equally likely to be victims of cyberbullying. Teens 14-years-old and over are more likely to be targets than are children under 14.

Close to half of the victims of cyberbullying are also targets of traditional bullying (Ybarra & Mitchell 2004b, 1313). This suggests that for some youth who are bullied online, the Internet may simply be an extension of the schoolyard, but for others, the Internet opens the door to harassment.

As Sullivan reports, the research on bully victims generally reveals that they feel guilt, shame, and a sense of failure because they cannot cope with the bullying (Sullivan 2000, 26). They tend to be unpopular and isolated. They are often depressed, worried, unhappy, and fearful, and significantly more neurotic than the norm.

>> Next, the response to cyberbullying.