Teachers coping with online sexual bullying by students: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Objective: Online sexual bullying refers to the online distribution of content about the victim's sexuality. The research literature addresses online bullying of teachers but not sexual bullying. This study examined teachers’ experience of abuse and how they dealt with online sexual bullying by their students. Method: Fourteen teachers who had experienced online sexual bullying by students were interviewed using a semistructured format. The interviews were analyzed qualitatively to identify recurring themes and patterns in the teachers’ experiences. Results: All the teachers were surprised by the abuse and felt humiliated and belittled. They felt a need to characterize the behavior of the offending students and understand their motives. Teachers who received support from the system felt protected; those who did not reported feelings of loneliness and disappointment. Some stopped teaching the class where the incident occurred and some resigned or left the teaching profession. Conclusions: The findings of this study shed light on the significant emotional and professional impact of online sexual bullying on teachers. Providing teachers with adequate support and resources is crucial in managing incidents of abuse and ensuring their well-being. By addressing these issues, educational institutions can create a safer and more supportive environment for teachers, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)