Reference: Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2022). Bias - Based Cyberbullying Among Early Adolescents: Associations With Cognitive and Affective Empathy. The Journal of Early Adolescence , 42 (9), 1204 - 1235. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316221088757 The term cyberbullying means repeatedly harass ing , mistreat ing , or ma king fun of others while using electronic devices. Bias - based cyberbullying means repeatedly hurting or harassing someone online because of their identity, like their race, gender, ethnic group, or religion. How widespread is this cyberbullying among adolescents? Researchers asked a national sample of over 1,600 adolescents, ages 12 - 15 years old, various questions about cyberbullying, and bias cyberbullying offending based on race or religion in the last 30 days. Participants were also assessed on their cognitive e mpathy (that is, being able to place themselves in other people’s “shoes,” to understand their feelings). Results? Approximately 80% of adolescents report being cyberbullied in the past 30 days, 8% cyberbul lied others, of which 5% cyberbull ied others due to race. Male youth are significantly more likely than female youth to participate in general cyberbullying, and bias - based cyberbullying . However, older youth, especially 14 yr. olds, are more likely to cyberbully and bias based cyberbully. Adolescents w ith more cognitive empathy are less likely to cyberbully others , and specifically less likely to bias cyberbullying based on others’ race or religion. Parents, teachers, and schools! Let’s teach cognitive empathy to adolescents and reduce cyberbullying!

Written by Kristin M . Harris, Ph.D.