Session: Contemporary Issues in Bullying Prevention: Links with Cyberbullying, Dating Violence, and Suicide (Society for Prevention Research 22nd Annual Meeting)

Bullying is a significant public health concern affecting school-aged children world-wide. It has attracted considerable attention in the media over the past few years and there is a growing evidence-base documenting its detrimental impacts on a range of social-emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes. Yet there are a number of emerging issues which require additional consideration among prevention scientists. For example, technology has ushered in a new form of bullying, through electronic devices, often referred to as cyberbullying or electronic aggression. There is emerging data suggesting a link between bullying and teen dating violence. Moreover, youth who are bullied often struggle with mental health concerns which can put them at risk for suicide.

This panel brings together three groups of researchers all working on various issues related to youths’ involvement in bullying.  The panel aims to fill the gaps in the current literature on bullying and to address the challenges bullying poses in promoting healthy relationships during adolescence. All three studies draw upon large population-based samples. We will present both quantitative and qualitative data examining various aspects of bullying in relation to issues of electronic aggression, teen dating violence, and youths suicides. The first presentation examines the issue of cyberbullying with a particular interest in the overlap in bullying that occurs on- and off-line. The second paper explores the extent to which youths’ involvement in bullying is a risk factor for involvement in teen dating violence, and the extent to which that association varies as a function of school norms regarding violence. The third paper draws on a mixed-methods study of death scene investigator narratives, which detail the circumstances believed to have contributed to suicides based on witness reports and corroborating evidence (e.g., suicide notes) to explore the extent to which bullying played a role in the youth suicide. Together, these papers contribute to the growing body of research documenting significant public health concerns associated with bullying. We will also identify common themes across the papers and summarize recent federal efforts to better define, measure, and prevent bullying and peer victimization. We will also reflect on the importance of these issues with regard to surveillance and prevention programs, strategies, and policies.