An examination of preservice teachers' perceptions of cyberbullying

Abstract

Today, in parallel with the increase of technology use, cyberbullying becomes one of the major issues in schools affecting students' lives negatively similar to bullying. To minimize the negative effects of cyberbullying and to get preservice teachers ready for managing cyberbullying, it is necessary to examine preservice teachers' perception about cyberbullying. For this mission, the present study was conducted. Data were collected using a web-based survey form from seven different state universities in Turkey. One hundred and sixty three preservice teachers, who are senior level students, participated in the study. The results indicate that a majority of the preservice teachers recognize cyberbullying as a problem and understand its negative effects on students, as well as the need for school commitment on preventing cyberbullying. Although a majority of the preservice students have a high level of awareness for cyberbullying, they indicate the need for cyberbullying training during university education. © 2010 by EURASIA.