Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will always hurt you: A review of cyberbullying

Abstract

In this paper we review the bullying literature, comparing and contrasting traditional face-to-face bullying and online "cyberbullying". More specifically we deconstruct the current working definitions of both types of bullying and compare the plethora of operational definitions. We explore characteristics of online environments and how these attributes facilitate and accentuate online bullying, while portraying the impact this type of bullying may have on victims as a result of this environment. Next we differentiate between reactive and proactive aggression and how certain bullying techniques are categorized. Finally we examine conflicting data regarding gender differences in cyberbullying roles, discuss parental monitoring, and investigate activism and intervention. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.